Sydney, March 6
Australia's New South Wales (NSW) State Emergency Service issued emergency evacuation warnings on Thursday as tropical cyclone Alfred edges closer to the country's east coast.
Residents in the Northern Rivers region in northeastern NSW were urged to evacuate by 9 p.m. local time on Thursday, as rapid river rises and heavy rainfall are expected to cause widespread flooding across local catchments, and fallen trees may potentially block safe evacuation routes.
"If you remain in the area, you may become trapped without power, water, and other essential services," said NSW State Emergency Service State Duty Commander, Assistant Commissioner Nicole Hogan.
Hogan warned that it could become too dangerous for the emergency service to carry out rescues, and that buildings may not be able to withstand the impact of floodwaters.
Residents have been advised to evacuate and stay with family, friends, or in alternative accommodation in areas not affected by flooding, or seek help from evacuation centers available throughout the region.
Residents in the southeast of Queensland and in the northeast of NSW are bracing for the cyclone with the severity having not been seen in the region since 1974.