Australia has declared a national emergency as torrential rains flood parts of Queensland and New South Wales, displacing thousands and causing billions in damages. Some areas received over 500mm of rain in 72 hours, the worst in over a decade.
Emergency services have conducted hundreds of rooftop rescues, while the military has been deployed to support evacuation and aid operations.
Climate experts across South Asia are linking such extreme weather to similar monsoon anomalies, especially in northeastern India and Bangladesh. Regional disaster preparedness cooperation may gain momentum in the wake of this catastrophe.