Around 20 beaches closed in Sydney after surge in shark attacks

Authorities in New South Wales, Australia, have temporarily closed approximately 20 beaches along Sydney’s northern coast following a series of shark attacks in the past 48 hours.

Officials are urging the public to stay out of the water as experts warn that recent storms have created conditions that increase the risk of shark encounters, Caliber.Az reports va Australian media. 

The state has seen four reported attacks in less than two days, three of which occurred in Sydney. Two victims remain in critical condition in hospital, while an 11-year-old boy suffered a bite to his surfboard but was unharmed. A surfer on the Mid North Coast also survived an attack without serious injury.

Marine experts say that the storms have left the water murky and warmer than usual, reducing visibility and making it harder for sharks to distinguish between prey and humans.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as beach closures remain in effect.

By Sabina Mammadli