Incessant rain over the past three days has unleashed massive floods in eastern Australia, inundating streets, cutting off entire towns and destroying homes.

Parts of New South Wales, Australia’s most populous state, have been the worst hit by the fast-rising waters.

The storms have dumped more than six months’ worth of rain over three days, the government weather bureau has said.

The government has declared a natural disaster, unlocking greater resources for affected areas

The death toll from the floods rose to four on Friday.

Four bodies have been pulled from the floodwater engulfing parts of northern New South Wales, a region some 400 kilometers (250 miles) up the coast from Sydney.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns visited some flood-affected areas on Friday.

“These are horrific circumstances,” Albanese said. “The Australian Defense Force will be made available. There’s going to be a big recovery effort required,” he told local radio.

“There’s been massive damage to infrastructure and we’re going to have to all really pitch in.”

The government has declared a natural disaster, unlocking greater resources for affected areas.

• AFP