Torrential rain lashed Sydney on Monday, causing flash flooding that inundated homes, businesses and roads and prompting evacuation orders in several suburbs. The State Emergency Service (SES) issued an evacuation order for parts of the southwest Sydney suburb of Chipping Norton, warning residents to leave immediately and to seek higher ground due to the rising floodwaters. Other suburbs that were hit hard by the storm include Moorebank, Georges Hall, Milperra, Liverpool, and Canterbury. The SES has received more than 1,000 calls for assistance since the storm hit, and more than 100 flood rescues have been carried out. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a severe weather warning for heavy rainfall for the Sydney metropolitan area, the Illawarra and the Central Coast. The BOM is warning that further flash flooding is possible, and that people should be prepared to evacuate if necessary. The storm is expected to continue into Tuesday, and the BOM is urging people to stay indoors and avoid driving unless absolutely necessary. Public transport has been disrupted in Sydney, with some train lines and bus services suspended. The storm is the latest in a series of extreme weather events that have hit Australia in recent months. In February, bushfires ravaged large parts of the country, killing at least 33 people and destroying more than 2,000 homes. In March, a hailstorm caused widespread damage to homes and cars in Canberra. The extreme weather events are a reminder of the challenges that Australia faces due to climate change. The country is becoming increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather, and the government needs to take action to reduce emissions and adapt to the changing climate. Here are some tips for staying safe during a flood:
* Avoid driving through floodwaters. Even a few inches of water can cause your car to stall.
* If you must walk through floodwaters, use a sturdy stick to help you keep your balance.
* Be aware of downed power lines and other hazards.
* If you are in a building that is flooding, move to higher ground.
* If you are caught in a flash flood, try to climb to higher ground or find a sturdy object to hold onto.
* Call for help if you are in danger..
