NSW floods: Man’s body found in Sydney; more than 150 rescued as water continues to rise

More than 150 people have been rescued from floodwaters in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW), said local officials on Saturday (Apr 6) after heavy rains sparked warnings for residents to move to higher ground. Meanwhile, a man was found dead in flood waters in outer western Sydney.

More than 150 evacuated in NSW

At least 152 people have been evacuated after torrential rains caused flooding in parts of eastern Australia and triggered more than 100 flood warnings from southern Queensland to the NSW south coast.

WATCH |Heavy rains lash Sydney, cause flooding; sparks evacuation warnings

Around 72 rescues were carried out in the NSW capital Sydney, reported Reuters citing authorities. The Australian citywitnessed dangerous flooding in several low-lying suburbs after torrential rains pummelled the country’s southeast region, on Friday (Apr 5).

Sydney received 4.4 inches of rainfall, nearly the amount it witnesses in a month, over the 24 hours to Friday morning, according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM). The heavy rains have since prompted warnings for people to avoid non-essential travel and stay indoors.

According to the NSW State Emergency Service, around 15 emergency evacuation orders were in place statewide, and it also fielded more than 4,100 calls for help in the 24 hours to 5:00 am (local time).

Flood waters continue to rise

Notably, while the NSW witnessed clear skies on Saturday, NSW Premier Chris Minns has warned the flood waters were still on the rise.

“The emergency rain situation seems to be easing,” said Minns, adding that it is “important to note that flood levels in some of the rivers particularly in Western Sydney are continuing to rise”.

He also praised 4000 volunteers who were assisting the state’s emergency services with rescues across the state after the storm system wreaked havoc overnight.

Ausgrid, a Sydney-based electricity distribution company, said that it restored power to at least 37,000 customers overnight, with some 9,000 still without power across NSW.

Man’s body found

A man’s body was found in flood waters in outer western Sydney by a passerby on Saturday morning, reported the Australian Associated Press. The body was found near a Penrith reserve before the emergency services were called to the scene at about 7:45 am (local time).

A statement by the police said that the man had not yet been formally identified and the cause of the death was unknown. However, the officers have established a crime scene, and an investigation into the death is underway.

The man’s death would be the second one linked to the weather system which has hit parts of eastern Australia.

On Thursday (Apr 4), the body of a 71-year-old man was found in a flooded creek southwest of Brisbane.

(With inputs from agencies)