While rescuers scramble to save thousands from rising flood waters in Mozambique, residents of North East Australia can empathize as they work to clean up the aftermath of Cyclone Steve.

The cyclone swept through the area over the weekend, dumping more than six inches or rain in just a few hours and battering the city of Cairns with 95 mph winds.

Damage inflicted by the cyclone is estimated to have reached several hundred million Australian dollars and proving particularly devastating to the many sugar cane plantations in the region.

Many livestock farmers report the loss of sheep to the floodwaters and numerous rivers, swollen with flood water, have breached their banks, isolating farms and communities.

Damage to the region's roads are estimated to be at least $4 million.