Exceptional monsoon rains have caused severe flooding in parts of Australia's north‑eastern state of Queensland.
Cars and livestock have been swept away over a large area around the coastal city of Townsville. Emergency crews are evacuating people on rafts.
Officials warns up to 20,000 homes could be flooded if the downpours continue.
A dam has reached twice its capacity and water is being released to avoid putting further strain on it. More rain is expected in the coming days.
[Source: BBC]
