AreaRead the video transcript expand here
Rescue operation south of Sydney: A cargo ship is unable to maneuver after engine failure in heavy seas.
A helicopter crew tries to rescue the 21-strong crew of the container ship.
Because of the weather, the mission was canceled without success, but later three tugboats were able to pull the freighter into deeper waters.
Meanwhile, the Sydney area was hit by heavy rain, causing severe flooding.
On Monday morning, helpers rescued numerous people and animals from the floods in Sydney.
More than 30,000 residents of the five million metropolis were affected by evacuation orders or warnings.
In the past 24 hours, the area in and around Sydney has had the most rainfall it has had in the entire year.
Residents of low-lying areas are already experiencing the third flood this year.
Colin Britton, State Emergency Services: 'Yesterday we had a five foot per hour rate of rise which has since dropped to a meter per hour. This creates problems around low-lying roads and access areas. Once the water is there it is very difficult for people to get out and move.”
There are too few evacuation routes, too few bridges that are built high enough.
Sydney's main dam, Warragamba, has overflowed, rivers have burst their banks and there is a risk of landslides.
Paul O'Neill, resident of Wiseman Ferry near Sydney: 'The road here has collapsed and has not been repaired since the last floods. Now they have closed our road access and ferry. The only way we can get home is by boat.«
The authorities warn that the storm and rain will increase, at least in the coming hours.
It's expected to rain all week in New South Wales.
