Sudden and intense flash floods struck southeastern Australia on Wednesday, submerging towns, isolating communities, and forcing desperate residents to seek refuge on rooftops as relentless rainfall pounded the region.

Emergency authorities issued urgent evacuation orders after river levels surged past critical thresholds, posing a serious threat to the safety of thousands living in low-lying areas.

According to Euronews reports, parts of New South Wales-the country’s most populous state-were hit hardest, with some towns in the Hunter and Mid-North Coast regions receiving more than four times their average monthly rainfall in just 24 hours. The torrent left entire communities waterlogged and reeling.

Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology has warned that the situation may worsen, forecasting an additional 300 millimeters of rain in the next 24 hours-triple the usual average for the entire month of May.

The deluge left many residents stranded on balconies and rooftops as rising waters overwhelmed homes and roads. Emergency crews, facing immense challenges due to flooded terrain, launched rescue missions using boats and helicopters, especially in the worst-hit towns of Taree and Glanthorn, both situated along the Manning River-more than 300 kilometers north of Sydney.

As the nation watches the crisis unfold, attention now turns to the resilience of affected communities and the urgent need for coordinated relief efforts. Authorities continue to monitor the situation, urging residents in flood-prone areas to stay alert and follow safety directives.