Destructive floods ripped across eastern Australia, leading to dramatic rooftop rescues as emergency responders battle to reach over 50,000 trapped residents. Heavy rain flooded towns, making roads riverlike and driving thousands from their homes.
The worst-affected regions are portions of Queensland and New South Wales, where total rainfalls have broken records. Rescue boats and helicopters are used around the clock to rescue people cut off by rising waters. Officials have reported several deaths and say additional severe weather is approaching.
Emergency centers are swamped, and local infrastructure has been severely damaged. Power and communication blackouts are disrupting rescue and relief efforts, while floodwaters continue to pose a threat to downstream communities.
Australian Prime Minister termed the event as a national crisis, promising initial support and funding for recovery in the long term. Climate scientists are warning that the frequency of such extreme weather events may indeed be on the rise because of global climate change.
