SYDNEY: About 18,000 Australians have been evacuated from flooding as heavy rain continues to batter the east coast across New South Wales (NSW).

Days of torrential downpours have caused rivers and dams to overflow around Sydney – the state capital – and in south-east Queensland.

Officials say the “one-in-a 50-year event” may continue all week and have urged the public to exercise caution.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has offered funds for those forced to flee.

“It’s another testing time for our country,” he told Sydney radio station 2GB on Monday.

There has been widespread damage in the affected areas, which are home to about a third of Australia’s 25 million people. (With inputs from BBC)