Heavy rains, flash floods batter parts of Australia

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) – Heavy rains and flash floods on Monday hit parts of Australia with the beginning of the monsoon season.

Sydney, the capital of the New South Wales (NSW), was hit by heavy rain and flash floods, according to national broadcaster ABC.

About 80 millimeters (three inches) of rainfall gathered in just one hour causing several vehicles to be stuck in floodwaters.

The authorities performed 21 to 23 flood rescues while over 550 calls for help were received by the emergency services, said Stuart Fisher, superintendent of NSW State Emergency Service.

No one was injured and residents were warned to stay indoors by the authorities.

Weather forecasts expect more storms in the region.

Victoria state, southeastern Australia, also received a flash flooding warning Monday.

Some areas of the state saw more than 100 millimeters (3.9 inches) of rainfall during the day.

The weather caused more than 120 assistance requests in the region.

North Queensland, which was already hit by floods, is also likely to be battered by the weather again with the monsoon season, as experts expect more rain to fall in the area.

An 82-year-old woman was confirmed as the second fatality in the flood disaster in the region last Tuesday.

Some people are still stuck in their home in the North Queensland due to floods after 10 days.