A helicopter assisted in rescue operations as a massive flood submerged parts of New South Wales.

Footage shows the chopper hovering over a woodland near houses that were partially underwater in Taree, Australia, on May 21.

Nine helicopters were deployed in the area to save affected families.

The water level continued to rise beside Manning River, which authorities said surpassed a 1929 record, reaching more than 20ft (6m) today.

Steve Bernasconi, from the Bureau of Meteorology, said the area received 412mm of rainfall over two days, which was five times its monthly average.

More than 48,000 residents were affected, with more than 23,000 homes already isolated by the record flood.

Nearby areas have been asked to evacuate as rescue operations are underway.