1 dead as floods start to recede in Australia

Australia reported the first fatality from days of widespread flash flooding yesterday, despite heavy rains easing and flood levels topping out across much of the southeast.

Hundreds of homeowners began a long clean-up after storm waters engulfed streets, houses and cars across three states, with Melbourne suburbs among the worst hit.

The apparent flooding victim was a 71-year-old man who was "found deceased in floodwaters in the backyard" of his property in the town of Rochester, a small town north of Melbourne.

As the waters ebbed, residents were left wading through mud-caked streets, abandoned cars, tree branches festooned with debris.

Evacuation orders remain in place for dozens of communities.