Sydney - Thousands of residents fled towns on Australia's east coast Friday after torrential rain engorged rivers that now threaten to break their banks and inundate homes and businesses. Some 9,000 residents of the New South Wales town of Grafton have been told to leave in advance of the Clarence River peaking. State Emergency Services spokesman Dave Mackey said the Clarence could reach 7.8 metres.
"At this stage we don't believe it's worth waiting until dark to make a call for an evacuation," he said. "Residents and business owners in Grafton and the lower parts of South Grafton are to activate their personal and business flood plans and evacuate as soon as possible."
Mackey warned residents to expect the worst if they disobey the call to get out.
"Power supplies will need to be shut down, telephone services will fail - which means people will not be able to call for help," Mackey said.
