More than 100 flights canceled, New South Wales prepares for floods

As of 2:30 p.m. on April 5 (local time), Sydney Airport has canceled 6 international flights and 109 domestic flights due to prolonged heavy rain across the state of New South Wales (Australia) and the risk of major flooding.

Sydney Airport was closed on April 5. Photo: Dimsum Daily

The number is likely to rise as the day progresses as heavy rain continues to fall. A Sydney Airport spokesman confirmed runways remain open but passengers may experience delays on April 5, and advised passengers to contact their airlines to check flight status.

Heavy rain fell overnight across NSW, with Sydney receiving a record 48-hour total of more than 160mm since 9am on April 4. Residents in low-lying areas of the south-western suburb of Chipping Norton were told to evacuate by midnight on April 5 as the Georges River rose. The State Emergency Service also issued a warning, telling Greater Sydney residents to prepare to evacuate as water levels along the Hawkesbury River rose rapidly. In south-western Sydney, the Bureau of Meteorology said moderate flooding was expected in Liverpool and Milperra.

The Parramatta River overflows into low-lying areas. Photo: ABC

Rail services have also been disrupted due to damage to infrastructure at Redfern Station, where 11 rail lines converge, in heavy rain. Transport for NSW said some trains were delayed due to equipment failure at Redfern Station, while wet conditions also increased boarding times. Delays and lack of train services are expected to continue on April 5. According to AAP, two people have been found injured and two others are missing after a boating accident on the Gold Coast.

Flooding at the Parramatta River in Western Sydney. Photo: ABC

Skynews quoted the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) as saying that the rain is expected to continue, possibly reaching 300mm in some areas of NSW. The agency also issued severe weather warnings, with heavy rain and strong winds in some areas, advising people in the Sydney metropolitan area, Illawarra and six other districts to be on guard. The heavy rainfall is expected to bring the risk of storms, damaging winds and flooding.

Hundreds of sandbags are ready in Gosford. Photo: ABC

CHI HANH

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/hon-100-chuyen-bay-bi-huy-new-south-wales-chuan-bi-don-lu-post733992.html