SYDNEY: Thousands of people across Australia's southeast, including those in Melbourne's western suburbs, were asked to evacuate their homes on Friday after two days of rain and high water levels.
Large parts of Victoria state, southern New South Wales and the northern regions of the island state of Tasmania were pounded by an intense weather system with some taking more than a month's worth of rain since late Wednesday, officials said.
Several rivers in Victoria, including the Maribyrnong west of Melbourne and the Goulburn to the north, all reached flood stage, forcing coastal residents to evacuate overnight.
Data show the Goulburn River at Seymour, 100 kilometres (62 miles) north of Melbourne, reached a record peak of 7.64 meters (25 feet) in May 1974. More than 200 flood rescue operations were carried out by emergency services.
Upstream in Shepparton, rising flood waters are expected to surpass the 1974 peak by Tuesday and threaten over 4,000 properties.
"In terms of property damage, road, public infrastructure and the sheer volume of water, this is going to set new records," Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said at a news conference.
Australia lifts isolation rules to shelter flood-hit residents
A decision will be taken on Saturday regarding the opening of the isolation centres constructed for the purpose of preparing the COVID-19 quarantine facility for the flood victims.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that the federal government is ready to provide assistance to the flood-affected states.
About 1,000 residents of Wedderburn, a small town about 200 kilometres (125 miles) north of Melbourne, were ordered to evacuate as a nearby dam threatened to collapse.
Agnico Eagle's Fosterville gold mine, Victoria's largest, has suspended all non-essential operations, the company said.
Rains had eased by Friday afternoon but the weather bureau has warned of another potential wild weather system next week.
Devastating floods have repeatedly struck Australia's east coast since early last year because of a multi-year La Nina weather phenomenon, which brings more rain.