Flood victims stranded on roofs as eastern Australia endures heavy rain

In eastern Australia, fast-rising floodwaters have submerged homes and left many residents stranded on rooftops overnight, Arab News reported. Since Monday, Taree, located about 300 kilometers north of Sydney, has received 415 millimeters of rain—over four times the usual May average—causing river levels to surpass a 1929 record at 6.3 meters.

Emergency services have conducted over 150 rescues but face challenges due to hazardous conditions and limited aviation support. Approximately 16,000 people across 7,400 homes remain isolated, with more heavy rain expected in the next 48 hours before conditions improve.

Authorities attribute the flooding to saturated ground and swollen rivers. Scientists warn that such extreme weather events are increasing in frequency and intensity due to climate change.