Residents evacuated as Australia hit by floods

Helicopters have rescued people trapped by floods and dropped supplies to towns cut off by rising rivers as storms lashed parts of eastern Australia.

At least 10 towns and many smaller settlements in northern New South Wales were hit by what authorities described as the worst flooding in 20 years.

Several areas were without electricity and phone service after floods knocked down power lines.

Emergency workers used boats and helicopters to rescue people trapped in isolated settlements. Food, medicine and other supplies were being flown by helicopter to towns cut off by flooding. Toppled trees blocked roads in many areas.

Some 300 emergency workers were involved in rescue operations, the State Emergency Service said. There were no reports of serious injuries.

Several small towns with hundreds of residents would have to be evacuated if floodwaters continued to rise, officials said. Emergency workers were helping erect flood defences around the towns.

Hundreds of people living on farms and remote settlements faced being cut off. Emergency officials told rural residents to pack essential belongings and be prepared to evacuate.

Weather forecasts predicted more heavy rain.

Parts of New South Wales were declared flood disaster areas, making residents eligible for state aid to repair damaged homes and businesses.