The Australian states of Queensland and New South Wales saw communities underwater after torrential rains battered the country's east coast.

Aerial footage showed communities inundated, with vehicles submerged and some people stranded on bridges and rooves.

New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet on Tuesday described the wild weather as a "one-in-one-thousand year event" and warned residents in the state's south to prepare for potential evacuation, even as tens of thousands had evacuated by the following day in other parts of the two states.

"We've seen people stranded on roofs for hours, we've seen children being rescued, we're seeing people stranded on bridges," he said. "But importantly as well, we're also seeing a community come together."

At least 13 people have been killed, the latest four deaths recorded in the worst-hit town of Lismore, New South Wales. More deaths were expected as police check houses as waters recede.

For more info, please go to https://globalnews.ca
Subscribe to Global News Channel HERE: http://bit.ly/20fcXDc
Like Global News on Facebook HERE: http://bit.ly/255GMJQ
Follow Global News on Twitter HERE: http://bit.ly/1Toz8mt
Follow Global News on Instagram HERE: https://bit.ly/2QZaZIB
#GlobalNews