Floodwaters in Sydney’s west rise as once-in-100-year storm causes $1B of damage across NSW

Thousands of families face losing their homes and many others spent a sleepless night in evacuation centres as a rain-soaked New South Wales prepares to be battered by another two days of relentless torrential rain.

Floodwaters in Sydney’s west will continue rising on Monday as Warragamba Dam, the city’s biggest, spills enough water to fill Sydney Harbour every 24 hours for a third day in a row, causing swollen rivers to burst their banks.

Those rivers will hit their highest levels in 60 years on Monday morning with moderate to major flood warnings issued for the Hawkesbury, the Nepean, and the Colo, threatening homes in the suburbs of Penrith, North Richmond, Windsor, and Sackville. 

The NSW mid-north coast is also bracing for more heavy rain just days after towns were cut off by floodwaters.

The wild weather is not forecast to stop until Wednesday around Sydney and on the mid-north coast, and not until Thursday on the north coast in Byron Bay and south-east Queensland.

Hundreds of Penrith residents spent the night in evacuation centres or alternative accommodation after their homes came under threat from floodwater. Pictured are residents wading through a submerged Ladbury Ave in Penrith

Streets and front yards of home were completely submerged by floodwater on the corner of Ladbury Ave in Penrith on Sunday

Streets and front yards of home were completely submerged by floodwater on the corner of Ladbury Ave in Penrith on Sunday

Rivers will hit their highest levels in 60 years on Monday morning with moderate to major flood warnings issued for the Hawkesbury, the Nepean (pictured), and the Colo, threatening homes in the suburbs of Penrith, North Richmond, Windsor, and Sackville

Rivers will hit their highest levels in 60 years on Monday morning with moderate to major flood warnings issued for the Hawkesbury, the Nepean (pictured), and the Colo, threatening homes in the suburbs of Penrith, North Richmond, Windsor, and Sackville

Rapid Relief Team members are seen preparing sandbags in Penrith on Sunday, where the Nepean River rose to 10metres

Rapid Relief Team members are seen preparing sandbags in Penrith on Sunday, where the Nepean River rose to 10metres

Warragamba Dam (pictured on Sunday) has began overflowing at the rate of 450 gigalitres a day, which would almost fill most of Sydney Harbour

Warragamba Dam (pictured on Sunday) has began overflowing at the rate of 450 gigalitres a day, which would almost fill most of Sydney Harbour 

Thousands of families face losing their homes and many others spent a sleepless night in evacuation centres as a rain-soaked NSW prepares to be battered for another wave of torrential rain. Port Macquarie is pictured above

Thousands of families face losing their homes and many others spent a sleepless night in evacuation centres as a rain-soaked NSW prepares to be battered for another wave of torrential rain. Port Macquarie is pictured above

137 schools across NSW will be closed on Monday, and Sydneysiders have been urged to work from home while up to 140mm of heavy rain is forecast to drench the city. 

The worst of the flooding will be in Sydney’s north-west, where the Hawkesbury River is expected to peak at 15m at 7am on Monday in North Richmond and later in the day in Windsor, with further rises expected. 

Flooding is likely to be at its highest level since the November 1961 disaster, or worse, with low-lying areas such as Windsor, Sackville, Lower Portland and Wisemans Ferry inundated with water. 

‘Further heavy rainfall has been observed across the Hawkesbury Nepean Valley during Sunday. Further heavy rainfall is forecast during Monday and Tuesday. This rainfall may cause further rises,’ the weather bureau said. 

Devastation could be even worse as enough water spills out of the Warragamba Dam to fill Sydney Harbour every day, pushing even more water into the river systems surrounding Sydney.

Hundreds of residents who scrambled to pack up their possessions to be out of their homes before the deadline of 9am Monday had a sleepless night on the cold floors of evacuation centres.

EVACUATION ORDERS AND WARNINGS FOR WESTERN SYDNEY

EVACUATION WARNINGS 

Eastern Creek at Eastern part of Eastern Creek: Prepare to evacuate before 3am Monday

–  The warning area covers all properties in the Riverstone, Schofields, and Quakers Hill areas bounded by Eastern Creek (from Bandon Road down to Richmond Road), Bandon Road, Hamilton Street, McCulloch Street, Riverstone Road, Garfield Road East, Windsor Road, Schofield Road, Hambledon Road, across to the railway line, and down to Arnott Road, Quakers Road, Breakfast Road and Richmond Road.

Eastern Creek at Colebee and Stonecutters Ridge area bordering Eastern Creek: Prepare to evacuate by 3am Monday

–  The warning area covers all properties in the area of Colebee and Stonecutter Ridge developments bounded by Richmond Road, Bells Creek and Eastern Creek.

Marsden Park at Western part of Eastern Creek: Prepare to evacuate by 3am Monday

– The warning area covers all properties in the area of Marsden Park bounded by Richmond Road, South Creek, Eastern Creek and Bells Creek.

McGraths Hill area: Prepare to evacuate by 9am Monday

–  The warning area covers all properties east of Windsor Road from South Creek to Brennan Dam Road, north of Killarney Chain of Ponds, west of McKenzies Creek. Includes the whole of McGraths Hill suburb.

Southern part of Wilberforce: Prepare to evacuate by 9am Monday

–  The warning area covers all properties north of the Hawkesbury River, west of Buttsworth Lane, Earl Street and Putty Road to Currency Creek, south of Currency Creek to Argents Road (west of the intersection of Argents Rd and Sargents Road).

Windsor CBD: Prepare to evacuate by 9am Monday

–  The warning area covers all properties bounded by the Hawkesbury River, Palmer Street, South Creek, Suffolk Street and New Street.

Hawkesbury River at Eastern part of South Windsor: Prepare to evacuate before 9am Monday

–  The warning area covers all properties bounded by the train line, South Creek and Brickfield Road to the creek.

Caravan Parks along the Hawkesbury River from Windsor and Wisemans Ferry: Prepare to evacuate over the next 12-15 hours

–  The warning area covers all Caravan Parks along the Hawkesbury River from Windsor and Wisemans Ferry. 

EVACUATION ORDERS

Western part of Jamisontown area: Evacuate by 9pm Sunday

– People within Western part of Jamisontown to evacuate the high danger area using the Great Western Highway Evacuation Route.

The evacuation is for all properties within the area of all properties bounded by Jamison road, Surveyors Creek, Blaikie Road, Rear of Penrith Homemaker Centre, Western Motorway and Nepean River.

Residents of Regentville along the low lying parts of Mulgoa Creek: Evacuate by 9pm Sunday

– People along Martin Street between Mulgoa Creek and the Nepean River of area to evacuate the high danger area using the Mulgoa Road Evacuation Route.

The evacuation is for all properties along Martin Street between Mulgoa Creek and the Nepean River. 

Residents within Western parts of Penrith: Evacuate by 4:30pm Sunday

– People within the Western parts of Penrith to evacuate the high danger area using the Memorial Avenue onto the Great western highway onto Victoria Bridge towards Emu Plains. Water is already entering the rear of properties along Ladbury Avenue.

The evacuation is for all properties within the area bounded by the Nepean River, south of the Great Western Highway and west of Peach Tree Creek. Includes: Captains Road; Fitch Avenue; Ladbury Avenue; Memorial Avenue; Nepean Avenue; and Recreation Avenue.

 

Simple things you can do now:

Take pets, essential items, warm clothes, medicines, insurance documents and valuables with you.

Leave as early as possible to avoid restricted road access.

Take drinking water and food due to expected travel time.

Share this information with family, friends and neighbours and help others where possible.

Critical Information to remember 

Never drive, ride or walk through floodwater.

Stack possessions, records, stock or equipment on benches and tables, placing electrical items on top.

Secure objects that are likely to float and cause damage.

Relocate waste containers, chemicals and poisons well above floor level.

Activate your Home or Business FloodSafe Plan.

Keep listening to your local radio station for information, updates and advice.

Keep in contact with your neighbours.

Be prepared to evacuate if advised by emergency services.

Act early as roads may become congested or close.

More information at SES.

A police car was inundated in floodwaters in Freemans Reach in Sydney's north-west on Sunday

A police car was inundated in floodwaters in Freemans Reach in Sydney’s north-west on Sunday

Many residents in Penrith were ordered to evacuate their homes on Sunday night as flood waters in the Nepean River continue to rise. Pictured is a flooded park near the Nepean River on Sunday

Many residents in Penrith were ordered to evacuate their homes on Sunday night as flood waters in the Nepean River continue to rise. Pictured is a flooded park near the Nepean River on Sunday 

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe weather warning for the Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast, Hunter, Upper Western and parts of Central Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains and Central West Slopes and Plains Forecast Districts

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe weather warning for the Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast, Hunter, Upper Western and parts of Central Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains and Central West Slopes and Plains Forecast Districts

With the damage bill already estimated to exceed $1 billion, much of NSW will cop a similar battering in the next two days with conditions described as dangerous and volatile. Taree Aquatic Club on the Mid North Coast is pictured above

With the damage bill already estimated to exceed $1 billion, much of NSW will cop a similar battering in the next two days with conditions described as dangerous and volatile. Taree Aquatic Club on the Mid North Coast is pictured above 

Penrith residents were forced to evacuate on Sunday after the Nepean River rose to 10.05m on Sunday night, just below the major flood level – but higher than during the devastating 1961 floods.

The Nepean River at Menangle Bridge is at 7.28m and 7.73m at Wallacia Weir, with rises possible with forecast rainfall. Major flooding is also occurring around the Colo River in Upper Colo and Putty Road Bridge. 

‘While major flooding is occurring in Sydney’s west it’s also important to be aware this is a large and widespread event,’ the weather bureau warned.

With the damage bill already estimated to exceed $1billion, much of NSW will cop a similar battering in the next two days with conditions described as dangerous and volatile.

More than 1,500 residents across NSW were evacuated due to life-threatening floods on Sunday while a further 4,000 along the banks of the Nepean River were advised to prepare to leave.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe weather warning for the Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast, Hunter, Upper Western and parts of Central Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains and Central West Slopes and Plains Forecast Districts. 

Heavy rain will likely lead to flash flooding in the NSW Northern Rivers and mid north coast on Monday. 

Affected areas may include Coffs Harbour, Kempsey, Port Macquarie, Taree, Newcastle, Gosford, Sydney, Katoomba, Wollongong, Tibooburra, Bourke, Cobar and Coonamble.

‘While major flooding is occurring in Sydney’s west it’s also important to be aware this is a large & widespread event. Western NSW will see increased rain from Monday & many areas will see more rain on Tuesday,’ the Bureau of Meteorology tweeted.

DISASTER RELIEF PAYMENTS FOR FLOOD-HIT FAMILIES

Residents who have suffered home damage or serious injuries in devastating floods sweeping across NSW are being granted immediate access to disaster relief payments.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Sunday announced the activation of the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment and Disaster Recovery Allowance for 18 NSW local government areas.

Under the AGDRP, eligible residents caught up in the storms and floods can apply for a one-off payment of $1,000 for adults and $400 for children.

Those who have lost their livelihoods can also now get a short-term income payment through the DRA for up to 13 weeks.

Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud said the disaster package would help people who had suffered significant loss.

‘Our first concern is for the safety and needs of those directly affected, particularly those whose homes have been inundated by floodwaters,’ he said in a statement.

‘By making these payments available to the affected residents, the Australian government will ensure that those who have lost or sustained damage to their homes or lost their livelihoods as a result of the floods will have the additional assistance they need.’

In a social media video on Sunday, the prime minister advised flood-impacted residents to claim the relief payments by calling Services Australia on 180 22 66.

‘It can be processed over the phone, you just need to provide your details and explain your circumstances to them, and we can arrange those payments to you as quickly as possible,’ Mr Morrison said.

The package has initially been extended to Armidale, Bellingen, Central Coast, Cessnock City, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Dungog, Hawkesbury, Kempsey, Lake Macquarie, Maitland City, Mid-Coast, Nambucca Valley, Newcastle City, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Penrith, Port Stephens and Tenterfield.

More LGAs will be added to the list in consultation with the NSW government, while mutual obligation requirements for job seeker’s in the 18 regions have been lifted from March 19 until April 6.

The prime minister has been in contact with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Sunday to offer the support of the Australian Defence Force.

Mr Morrison acknowledged the need for a ‘big clean-up operation’ on the other side of the floods, the worst to hit metropolitan Sydney in 50 years and the Mid-North Coast in a century.

But he indicated the recovery effort was a problem for another day, urging people to stay safe and listen to authorities.

‘They trained for this, they prepare for this, and they’re there to help you right now,’ Mr Morrison said.

‘I wish you every safety in these very trying times.’

Greens Leader Adam Bandt described the ‘tragic’ weather event as a grim look into an Australian future with bigger fires and worse floods, calling on the federal government to declare a climate emergency.

”Unprecedented’ fires one year, ‘once in a 50 year’ floods the next. This is not normal,’ Mr Bandt said in a statement.

 

Incredible satellite images show the devastating caused by the floods. This shows the Manning River near Taree on the NSW mid-north coast before the storm

Incredible satellite images show the devastating caused by the floods. This shows the Manning River near Taree on the NSW mid-north coast before the storm

This floods spreading across the area as days of torrential rain cause rivers to burst their banks and destroy homes

This floods spreading across the area as days of torrential rain cause rivers to burst their banks and destroy homes

Rivers on the north and mid-north coast that were once just thin lines on the map (pictured) were turned into thick raging torrents as the excess water spilled across the countryside

Rivers on the north and mid-north coast that were once just thin lines on the map (pictured) were turned into thick raging torrents as the excess water spilled across the countryside

Water spreads across basins on either side of the Hastings River near Port Macquarie, covering several times more area than usual

Water spreads across basins on either side of the Hastings River near Port Macquarie, covering several times more area than usual

State Premier Gladys Berejiklian held an emergency conference on Sunday to beg residents to play it safe and reiterate how 'serious and severe this weather is'

State Premier Gladys Berejiklian held an emergency conference on Sunday to beg residents to play it safe and reiterate how ‘serious and severe this weather is’

Port Macquarie residents have been warned a ‘second wave’ of major flooding is on its way and say ‘we’re not out of the woods yet’.

Incredible satellite images have captured transformation widespread flooding has already caused in Port Macquarie and Taree as new alerts were issued for the Hastings and Manning Rivers on Sunday night.

Regions south of Sydney will also cop a drenching where Goulburn faces potential flooding as water spills continues to spill  from Warragamba Dam and flows down the Nepean River. 

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Jonathan How said ‘relentless rainfall’ will lash parts of Sydney and eastern NSW until at least Tuesday. 

‘This is a dynamic situation, so check for flood warning updates regularly,’ he warned. 

Rain is forecast to persist through Monday as a stubborn coastal trough lingers over NSW, and severe thunderstorms are also likely to hit northern inland NSW.

The two weather systems will ‘collide’ on Monday night, Mr How said, causing a likely ‘multi-state rain band’.   

The NSW north coast is also bracing for more heavy rain just days after towns were cut off by floodwaters. This photou00A0shows a flooded area following heavy rains in Port Macquarie

The NSW north coast is also bracing for more heavy rain just days after towns were cut off by floodwaters. This photo shows a flooded area following heavy rains in Port Macquarie

Sandbags are seen lining shops in Picton in Sydney. Evacuation warnings are in place for parts of Western Sydney as floodwaters continue to rise

Sandbags are seen lining shops in Picton in Sydney. Evacuation warnings are in place for parts of Western Sydney as floodwaters continue to rise

Rising floodwaters in Sydney’s west and north-west are now higher than the catastrophic 1961 flood, with residents of parts of Penrith told to leave their homes by 9pm before floods are expected to peak early Monday. 

Further evacuation warnings were issued for the western Sydney suburbs of Eastern Creek, Stonecutters Creek and Marsden Park, where residents were told to prepare to leave their homes by 3am.

Residents of parts of Wilberforce north of the Hawkesbury were told to be ready to evacuate by 9am on Monday. 

The catastrophic November 1961 floods occurred soon after Warragamba Dam was built, where the Hawkesbury River reached around 14.5m above normal river height at Windsor.

But the largest flood since European settlement was in June 1867 where the river reached 19m above normal river height.

A severe weather remains in place for much of the NSW coast all the way up to Queensland for life-threatening flash-flooding with 137 schools closed and workers urged to stay home on Monday. 

137 New South Wales schools closed due to localised flooding 

 Barrington Public School

Beechwood Public School

Bellbrook Public School

Bellingen High School

Bobbin Public School

Booral Public School

Brewongle Environmental Education Centre

Bungwahl Public School

Camden Haven High School

Carool Public School

Cattai Public School

Chatham High School

Chatham Public School

Chester Hill High School

Colo Heights Public School

Colo High School

Comboyne Public School

Congewai Public School

Coolongolook Public School

Coopernook Public School

Crescent Head Public School

Cundletown Public School

Dungog Public School

Elands Public School

Eungai Public School

Frederickton Public School

Gladstone Public School

Glenbrook Public School

Glenvale SSP (North Entrance Campus)

Glossodia Public School

Green Hill Public School

Hannam Vale Public School

Hastings Public School

Harrington Public School

Hawkesbury High School

Herrons Creek Public School

Hinton Public School

Hopetown Public School

Jiliby Public School

John’s River Public School

Kempsey East Public School

Kempsey High School

Kempsey West Public School

Kendell Public School

Kinchela Public School

Krambach Public School

Kurrambee School 

Laguna Public School

Lake Cathue Public School

Lansdowne Public School

Laurieton Public School

Lisarow High School

Lisarow Public School

Long Flat Public School

Longneck Lagoon Environmental Education Centre

MacDonald Valley Public School

Manning Gardens Public School

Medlow Public School

Megalong Valley Public School

Melville High School

Millers Forrest Public School

Mitchells Island Public School

Moorland Public School

Mount George Public School

Mount Kanwary Public School

Nabiac Public School

Nambucca Heads High School

Narara Valley High School

North Haven Public School

Old Bar Public School

Orama Public School

Pacific Palms Public School

Penrith Valley Learning Centre

Pitt Town Public School

Port Macquarie Public School

Rolland Plains Upper Public School

South West Rocks Public School

Smithtown Public School

Taree High School

Taree Public School

Taree West Public School

Telegraph Point Public School

Tinonee Public School

The Pocket Public School

Upper Lansdown Public School

Wauchope High School

Westport Public School

Willawarrin Public School

Windsor High School

Wingham Brush Public School

Wingham High School

Wingham Public School

Wooli Public School

Wyong Creek Public School

Source: Department of Education New South Wales 

By 4.30pm on Sunday, floodwaters had started to inundate homes inu00A0Ladbury Avenue Penrith (pictured)

By 4.30pm on Sunday, floodwaters had started to inundate homes in Ladbury Avenue Penrith (pictured)

An abandoned umbrella lies at the flood intersection of Ladbury and Memorial Avenue in Penrith in Sydney's west

An abandoned umbrella lies at the flood intersection of Ladbury and Memorial Avenue in Penrith in Sydney’s west

A large crowd of residents gathered at the new Windsor Bridge on Sunday to keep a vigilant eye on the Hawkesbury River

A large crowd of residents gathered at the new Windsor Bridge on Sunday to keep a vigilant eye on the Hawkesbury River

Windsor residents in Sydney's north-west braved the wet conditions to keep a close eye on the flooded Hawkesbury River

Windsor residents in Sydney’s north-west braved the wet conditions to keep a close eye on the flooded Hawkesbury River

Late on Sunday afternoon, the NSW State Emergency Service declared western parts of Penrith as a high danger area where some properties have already been inundated with water. 

Evacuees were urged to bring drinking water and food with them and relocate personal possessions to a safe place. The Nepean River is expected to peak around 10.4m at midnight on Monday.

Penrith Panthers NRL coach Ivan Cleary was among the residents forced to evacuate on Sunday night.

He has been living in a Ladbury Avenue home owned by his son, Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary while renovating his own home on Sydney’s northern beaches, the Daily Telegraph reported. 

The Panthers’ preparation for Thursday night’s grand final rematch against Melbourne Storm was also thrown into chaos with their training grounds at the $22m Panthers Academy complex in Mulgoa under threat from flooding.

Inmates at the Emu Plains and nearby Amber Laurel Correctional Centres have also being evacuated, Corrective Services has confirmed. 

Residents in western parts of Penrith were ordered to evacuate by SES volunteersu00A0 on Sunday afternoon before flood levels rise. Pictured are residents inu00A0Ladbury Ave, Penrith.

Residents in western parts of Penrith were ordered to evacuate by SES volunteers  on Sunday afternoon before flood levels rise. Pictured are residents in Ladbury Ave, Penrith.

The corner of Ladbury and Memorial Ave Penrith (pictured) is now underwater, forcing local residents to evacuate

The corner of Ladbury and Memorial Ave Penrith (pictured) is now underwater, forcing local residents to evacuate

The rain will persist on Monday while severe thunderstorms are forecast for northern inland NSW.

A  tropical low over northern WA and a coastal trough off NSW are expected to collide on Monday night, sparking a ‘multi-state rain band’. 

‘This could cause further river rises, so it’s important to stay vigilant as conditions can change quickly,’ Mr How said.

‘Rain and floods are not over yet!’ 

Of the 7,370 calls for help the NSW State Emergency Service has been inundated with since Thursday, 1940 have been logged since Saturday night. 

The SES has also conducted 685 flood rescues since Thursday. 

Rising flood waters opposite Governor Phillip Park in Windsor are so high they have almost covered a traffic sign

Rising flood waters opposite Governor Phillip Park in Windsor are so high they have almost covered a traffic sign

People look on as flood water rises over the New Windsor Bridge on The Hawkesbury River in Windsor

People look on as flood water rises over the New Windsor Bridge on The Hawkesbury River in Windsor

Low-lying areas of Windsor near the Hawkesbury River have been inundated with heavy rain in recent days

Low-lying areas of Windsor near the Hawkesbury River have been inundated with heavy rain in recent days

The new Windsor Bridge was inundated with with water and debris from the flooded Hawkesbury River on Sunday

The new Windsor Bridge was inundated with with water and debris from the flooded Hawkesbury River on Sunday

In the far NSW north coast, the heavy rain and wild conditions didn't dampen the spirits of surfers at Byron Bay

In the far NSW north coast, the heavy rain and wild conditions didn’t dampen the spirits of surfers at Byron Bay

Heavy rainfall also arrived in Byron Bay on Sunday afternoon, washing away roads and wreaking havoc on the coastal town

Heavy rainfall also arrived in Byron Bay on Sunday afternoon, washing away roads and wreaking havoc on the coastal town

Premier Gladys Berejiklian held an emergency conference on Sunday to beg residents to play it safe and reiterate how ‘serious and severe this weather is’.

Natural disaster declared in the following regions:

 Armidale

Bellingen

Central Coast

Cessnock City Council

Clarence Valley

Coffs Harbour City

Dungog Shire

Kempsey

Lake Macquarie City

Maitland City

Mid-Coast

Nambucca Valley

Newcastle City

Port Macquarie-Hastings

Port Stephens

Tenterfield

She said the NSW mid-north coast, which was worst hit on Saturday and overnight, was enduring a once-in-a-century storm, while regions in western Sydney haven’t seen rainfall this severe in 50 years. 

‘We were hoping it would only be a one in 20-year event. It looks like it will actually be a one in 50-year event,’ Ms Berejiklian said of conditions in the Hawkesbury Valley on Sunday.   

On Sunday, the Department of Education announced 137 public schools would close on Monday due to localised flooding. Parents with children at Catholic or private schools will be notified separately if their campus had been impacted.

‘It’s the sustained rainfall, the fact that weather event has settled in, it’s not moving,’ she said. 

‘We cannot underestimate the ferocity of these weather conditions. We have gone from extreme bushfire to extreme flood.’

Employees were encouraged to work from home in an attempt to curb any unnecessary road travel and avoid an ‘inevitable fatality’.

The federal and state governments on Sunday morning announced 16 national disaster declarations from Coffs Harbour and Grafton areas in northern NSW into the west to Cessnock and Dungog, and to the Central Coast. 

The regions include Bellingen, Clarence Valley, Kempsey, Lake Macquarie City, Nambucca Valley, Port Macquarie-Hastings and Tenterfield. 

Relief funding can now start to be funnelled into local council areas for recovery efforts from the catastrophic rainfall. 

Queensland, South Australia and Victoria have all deployed resources to New South Wales to help crews already on the ground.  

Houses are destroyed after flooding following heavy rainfall in Tinonee, New South Wales

Houses are destroyed after flooding following heavy rainfall in Tinonee, New South Wales

A house is seen after a landslip took out some of its foundations, forcing the road to be closed on Shortland esplanade in Newcastle on Sunday

A house is seen after a landslip took out some of its foundations, forcing the road to be closed on Shortland esplanade in Newcastle on Sunday