03:45
Streets closed and homes inundated in western Sydney as Georges River rises
The streets and homes surrounding Georges River in western Sydney have been inundated by driving rain, with many only able to watch on as the water swallows up their homes and cars.
Authorities have closed many of the main roads surrounding the river, including Henry Lawson Drive and Milperra Road, with entire sections of streets completely underwater.
The usually bustling Newbridge Road was closed by authorities, with the river having risen up to 3.65 metres earlier today, and with the water reaching up to 1.5 metres in residents homes.
Anthony Lippis, who lives just off Newbridge Road, said the water came into his home “in a flash”:
I lost my car, and we didn’t have enough time to save it. It’s heartbreaking. Every time this happens we need to move everything up a level, and it is exhausting, it’s devastating for everybody.
Lippis was driving a dinghy up and down his now inundated street, helping people in any way he can.
He was joined by neighbours Angelo Testa and Oliver Bucha, who rode up and down the street on their dinghy. Testa told the Guardian the first level of his parents’ home was completely destroyed:
We got about a metre and a half of water, it’s the second time in three days, it’s been absolutely crazy. But it is what it is. Water comes up, then goes down.
Testa shrugged as he sped off to help another of his neighbours.
With rain continuing to fall, residents are anxious the waters won’t be receding any time soon.
Updated