Sydney Beaches Battered by Massive Swells, Causing Extensive Damage

Iruni Kalupahana Jadetimes Staff

I. Kalupahana is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Australia

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Image Source: Mark Baker

Sydney's symbolic eastern beaches suffered the majority of the damage on Wednesday following intense overnight swells, which reached a peak of 5.5 meters, crashing along the coastline. Bondi, Bronte, Clovelly, and Cronulla were among the worst-affected locations, with public areas and infrastructure suffering extensive damage. The sheer power of the waves had caused widespread disruption with cleanup and safety operations underway forthwith.

The iconic Icebergs pool at Bondi was badly damaged, with broken glass fences and twisted railings. Debris, including a massive water tank, was also washed up on the beach, showing the power of the swells. At Wylie's baths in Coogee, while damage was not as severe, broken fencing and seating were reported.

Waverley and Randwick councils responded to the event by closing beaches including Bondi, Bronte, Clovelly, and Coogee, to allow for cleanup and evaluation of damage. Wave damage to Coogee Surf Club doors was reported, handrails in South Coogee were pulled off, and walkways were covered in sand. Randwick city council lifeguard Paul Moffatt pointed to the dangerous situation, warning about potential debris on the water after recent flooding in Queensland.

At Cronulla, sections of the esplanade were shut down due to cratering of the concrete walkway, and brick walls in Bronte were forced inwards by wave pressure. At Dolls Point, Bayside council reported there was extensive damage, including shattered footpaths and flattened bike lanes, with about 20 houses flooded.

Beaches on Sydney's northern suburbs, such as Dee Why, were also affected and closed. The Bureau of Meteorology said that while the initial threat had passed, a hazardous surf warning remained for the whole New South Wales coastline. Authorities warned people not to swim, rock fish, or go boating.

NSW Police and State Emergency Services (SES) also issued warnings for the ongoing dangers, particularly in light of Wednesday night's forecasted high tide. The SES documented 17 coastal erosion incidents on the Central Coast.

The prediction forecasted heavy swells to persist along the NSW and southern Queensland coastlines during the week. Wave buoys recorded sizable wave heights, with measurements of as much as 6.3 meters at Eden, 5.1 meters at Batemans Bay, and 5.9 meters at Port Kembla.