Thousands of people in Sydney have been ordered to flee their homes today after life-threatening floods hit the north of the city for the third time this year.
Emergency services said more than 100 people had to be rescued from the rapidly rising floodwaters, while efforts continued in wild seas off the coast of Sydney to prevent an affected cargo ship from collapsing. it crashed against the rocks.
In the early evening, at least three tugs were trying to hold Portland Bay at 570 feet after attempts to rescue the ship’s 21 helicopter crew were canceled amid 16-foot waves and 55-foot gusts of wind. mph.
Tugboats struggled to tow the Portland Bay cargo ship away from danger after it drifted towards the rocks in stormy seas and strong winds off the coast of Sydney.
SEAN FOSTER / GETTY IMAGES
The 17,000-ton ship lost energy south of Sydney in the early hours of today and nearly drifted towards the rocks south of the city before the crew managed to pull three anchors.