Australia's Large Flood Could Isolate Queensland-NSW Residents For Weeks

UNSPLASH/Kelly Sikkema ILLUSTRATION

Major floods triggered by heavy rains could isolate the public for weeks in the states of Queensland and New South Wales (NSW), Australia, local authorities said.

Heavy rains with a rainfall intensity of 210 millimeters (mm) per hour over the past 24 hours flushed Currarong, a small fishing village and coastal tourism in the Shoalhaven area, New South Wales, according to local broadcaster SBS News reports.

Although rainfall is expected to subside, authorities have warned residents of long-term isolation in the western region of New South Wales.

"People along the Paroo and Warrego rivers ... may have to undergo isolation for up to six weeks," NSW State Emergency Service deputy commissioner Deb Platz told reporters as reported by ANTARA from Anadolu-OANA, Monday, March 31.

"So we need you now to start preparing for the isolation."

Authorities have deployed helicopters, high alert vehicles, and volunteers to rescue and re-supply people who are difficult to reach, but residents have been asked to always be vigilant.

New South Wales is expected to face another event on Wednesday, which will also bring heavy rains, particularly in the northeast and north of the Mid North Coast.

Authorities are still looking for an old man who was swept away by the flood who isolated 22 camphouses on the Mid-North Coast.

Dozens of inland Queensland residents were flown to a safe place on Saturday when floods hit their cities and property.