SYDNEY (REUTERS) - Much of Australia's wildfire-ravaged east coast was drenched on Friday (Feb 7) by the biggest rainfall in almost 20 years, dousing some of the most dangerous blazes and providing welcome relief to farmers battling an extended drought.

The downpour came with its own risks - officials warned of flash floods and landslides across New South Wales (NSW), Australia's most populous state - but was generally greeted jubilantly after months of devastating bush fires.