Australia’s floods: “the biggest concern” in western Sydney amid heavy rainfall – photos

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Heavy rains and floods hitting eastern Australia, forcing thousands to evacuate, will continue for at least another day, forecasters warn.

The whole picture: The rains hit New South Wales and south-east Queensland last Thursday. Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters that 18,000 people were under evacuation, and the situation remained “dynamic” and the west of Sydney is “the biggest concern”. A natural disaster has been declared in 16 areas.

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An aerial view of flooded structures on the Colo River in Colo, northwest of Sydney, on March 23. The federal government agency, the Bureau of Meteorology, has issued severe weather warnings for every state and territory except Western Australia, affecting about 10 million people – 40% of Australia’s population. Photo: Jenny Evans / Getty Images
An aerial view of flooded structures on the Colo River in Colo, northwest of Sydney, March 23. Morrison said that while the rains should calm down by late Wednesday, the threat of flooding will remain. Photo: Jenny Evans / Getty Images
A reservation flooded in Colo on March 23. Snakes, spiders and other animals taking refuge in people’s homes have been reported. Photo: Jenny Evans / Getty Images
People near a flooded road in Sydney’s Windsor area on March 23 Australian Insurance Council declared a catastrophe for parts of NSW, allowing insurers to prioritize responses. Photo: Saeed Khan / AFP via Getty Images
Sydney’s Windsor Bridge is submerged in rising flood waters, New South Wales, Australia, on March 22. Photo: Lisa Maree Williams / Getty Images
A worker near a main road flooded by floodwaters in the suburbs of Richmond, Sydney, on March 22. Emergency services made at least 500 rescues. Photo: Saeed Khan / AFP via Getty Images
The overflowing banks of the Parramatta River in Sydney, March 22. It is the worst flood in the region in 60 years. Photo: Saeed Khan / AFP via Getty Images
Heavy flooding in McGraths Hill, Sydney, March 22. NSW Prime Minister Gladys Berejiklian told reporters: “I don’t know a moment in the history of the state when we had these extreme weather conditions … in the middle of a pandemic.” Photo: Brook Mitchell / Getty Images
A road is impassable from the recent March 22 rainfall in Byron Bay, NSW, near the Queensland border. Photo: James D. Morgan / Getty Images
Flooded farmland near Lennox Head, NSW, near the state border with Queensland, March 22 Photo: James D. Morgan / Getty Images
Surfers go on the water during heavy rains in Byron Bay on March 21st. Photo: James D. Morgan / Getty Images

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