Sydney, 21 May 2025 (dpa/MIA) - Heavy rains have caused flooding along Australia's east coast, severely impacting smaller towns about 250 kilometres north of Sydney where residents were trapped on rooftops, local media reported on Wednesday.

Among the hardest hit were the city of Taree in the Hunter Valley wine region and the town of Wingham on the Mid North Coast.

Australian broadcaster ABC reported "flooding at unprecedented levels," describing dramatic scenes as helicopters and boats evacuated residents trapped on rooftops amid heavy rain and strong winds, accompanied by cold temperatures.

Officials said around 1,600 emergency personnel were deployed to assist with rescue efforts.

Some residents spent the night stranded on rooftops amid rising waters. One woman told the 9 News channel that she and her family had been trapped for about 12 hours, surrounded by rapidly rising brown floodwaters.

The Manning River in the region surged to a record level of over 6 meters, surpassing the previous high set in 1929, according to 9 News. Authorities warned the river could rise further as heavy rains continue.

More than 80 schools remained closed initially and power outages affected the region. Meteorologists forecast further heavy rain until Friday. The Bureau of Meteorology issued warnings of "life-threatening flash floods" in several areas.

Photo: 9News screenshot