Floods forced some residents to take shelter on the roofs of their homes, amid emergency evacuation orders as river levels exceeded danger levels.
Hundreds of people were rescued in the Australian state of New South Wales after heavy rains and flooding hit the region, local media reported on Wednesday.
According to ABC News, more than 280 people were moved to safe locations after the Manning River in the Mid-North Coast (Tarry) region reached a record flood level of 6.4 metres, surpassing the previous record set in 1929.
Local authorities issued 13 emergency alerts in the Hunter and Mid-North Coast regions of New South Wales, where emergency services personnel were busy rescuing residents from floodwaters and rooftops. Evacuation centers were also opened in the region.
Rural towns in the Hunter and Mid North Coast regions of New South Wales were particularly affected, with more than a four-month average of rainfall falling in 24 hours.
"The rains are falling heavily and without letup, and the soil is saturated with water, increasing the risk of flooding," said the state's Minister of Emergency Services, Jihad Deeb.
The Meteorological Authority stated that some areas could receive up to 300 millimeters of rain in 24 hours, which is three times the monthly average for May.
Images on social media showed residents trapped inside their homes by floodwaters, while rescue teams struggled to reach those affected using boats and helicopters, particularly in the towns of Taree and Glenthorne on the Manning River.
"We didn't expect this amount of water, and we may have to go up to the roof if rescue is delayed," one resident told ABC News. Emergency Services Commissioner Mike Wassing confirmed that rescue teams are currently focusing on evacuating people trapped on roofs or the upper floors of their homes.
