Strong winds hit Sydney and surrounds, causing injuries

Sydney, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) Several people have been injured by falling trees after strong winds battered Sydney and surrounding areas, local media reported on Monday.

Wind gusts of up to 100 kilometers an hour hit Sydney on Monday, causing trees to fall on roads and railway lines, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

The New South Wales Ambulance Service said a woman from the suburb of Punchbowl in south-western Sydney has been treated for cuts after a tree fell on her head.

A man was treated as his leg has been injured by a collapsing wall in the beach-side suburb of Cronulla in southern Sydney.

A kayaker has been rescued after falling into the water near Avoca Beach.

The State Emergency Service (SES) said volunteers are busy responding to hundreds of calls for help after rooftop damages from strong winds.

A SES spokeswoman told the Australian Associated Press (AAP) that areas in the southern and southwestern part of Sydney have been hit hardest.

Electricity supplier Ausgrid said it has restored power to about 10,000 homes and businesses in Sydney and on the Central Coast and the company's crews are still working to restore power to another 2,700 properties.

The winds are expected to ease on Monday night, but the SES is bracing for more reports of damage as workers return home.