Australian officials say record floodwaters on the country's east coast have left one person dead and three others missing, as more heavy rain is forecast in the area.

Rising floodwaters stranded more than 50,000 people in eastern Australia on Thursday as torrential rain pummeled water-logged towns for a second day and engorged rivers swallowed roads, leaving at least two people dead.

Record rainfall on Australia's east coast has led to catastrophic flooding, with three dead and one missing. Over 500 people have been rescued, and more rain is expected. Regions like New South Wales have been severely impacted,

Rain continues to fall on the NSW mid north coast where thousands of people are cut off by water and dozens have needed rescuing from rooftops. Taree and Coffs Harbour are among the most impacted towns where insurers can expect significant claims numbers.

Heavy rain in Australia's southeast triggered flash flooding and cut off entire towns on Wednesday, stranding some residents on the roofs of their homes, as authorities issued snap evacuation orders with rivers staying above danger levels.

Torrential rain continued to lash eastern Australia on Thursday, swelling already engorged rivers, engulfing roads and leaving almost 50,000 people stranded.

Swathes of South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia are in the grip of drought as they experience some of the lowest rainfall totals on record.

Flash flooding on Australia's southeast coast has killed two people and cut off towns, isolating tens of thousands of residents, as officials on Thursday warned more downpours were expected over the next 24 hours.

Flash flooding on Australia's southeast coast has killed three people and cut off towns, isolating tens of thousands of residents, as officials on

Growers in the dry half of NSW are hoping for up to 30mm of rain in coming days to get their crops up and away in the ideal window...Read More