Sydney, May 21
Thousands of people have been isolated amid record-breaking flooding on the east coast Australian state of New South Wales (NSW).
Heavy rainfall on Wednesday continued for a fourth consecutive day in regions over 100 km north of Sydney, exacerbating widespread flash flooding.
The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) said that it responded to 887 calls for assistance, including 118 flood rescues, in the 24 hours to Wednesday morning.
Around 16,000 people or 7,400 dwellings in the worst-affected areas could expect to be isolated for at least a day, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) quoted SES spokesperson Andrew Edmunds as saying on Wednesday morning.
SES was aware of 52 people trapped on tables, verandahs and their roofs, he added.
Local power provider Essential Energy has reported about 3,700 homes and businesses, mostly in Taree, Wingham, Tinonee, Burrell Creek, Hillville and surrounds are without power. "Crews will be out again today, assessing damage and completing repairs where it is safe to do so", it said in a statement on Wednesday.
Almost 100 schools in the affected areas were closed on Wednesday.