Authorities have issued nine evacuation orders for about 15 areas after heavy rainfall over the state of New South Wales in Australia.
The Warragamba dam in Sydney has reached its maximum capacity and has begun to flood, reports the news agency Reuters.
Large showers have broken rain records during the month of March in the state and the rain is not expected to stop for several days.
The floods and a small tornado that thundered through the outskirts of Sydney, have caused major damage to buildings and the rescue service has responded to 500 rescue efforts by people in the floods.
People are encouraged to stay at home and not make unnecessary trips.
- The message is clear: do not walk or drive through flood waters.
Do not drive on a road that is covered with water, says David Elliott, head of the rescue service in New South Wales.