Rescuers helped drivers to escape swift floodwater and used helicopters to pluck stranded people from rooftops in north-east Australia today after torrential rain flooded thousands of homes and businesses, killed four and forced thousands to huddle in shelters.

About 1,000 people in a small Australian town evacuated their homes today as floodwaters hit the area after 10 days of heavy rain.

Terrified residents had to leap into the sea to escape a raging wildfire that killed at least 10 people in southern Australia.

At least eight people were killed in a wildfire that raced through southern Australia today, forcing terrified residents to leap into the sea to avoid the flames, emergency officials said.