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Australian Floods Reach Catastrophic Levels

Brisbane river breaks its banks

By Nxxxx,  Newser User

Posted Jan 10, 2011 4:02 AM CST | Promoted on Newser Jan 10, 2011 11:02 PM CST

(User Submitted) – The floods that have ravaged huge areas of the Australian state of Queensland show no signs of abating, with the state capital Brisbane now under serious threat. ABC Australia reports that the town of Toowoomba, 70 miles west of the capital, was inundated with rain Monday, with the deluge so fierce that houses in the nearby Lockyer Valley were washed away. At least ten people were killed and 78 are still unaccounted for, AP reports.

Brisbane, a city of 2 million, has been protected by a flood catchment since the city was hit by floods in 1974, but the dam is now at capacity. The swollen Brisbane river has now burst its banks and evacuations are taking place, the Courier-Mail reports. It's feared that a combination of further rain and storms, run-off from other flooded areas and a king tide on Friday could cause even further damage to a state already reeling from devastating flooding on the central coast of the state. Authorities believe the floods could take months to subside.

Tow truck workers clear vehicles from a street in Toowoomba, Australia, Monday, Jan. 10, 2011, following a flash flood.
Tow truck workers clear vehicles from a street in Toowoomba, Australia, Monday, Jan. 10, 2011, following a flash flood.   (AP Photo/ABC)
People cling to railings and metal fences on a flooded street in Toowoomba, Australia, during a flash flood Monday, Jan. 10, 2011.
People cling to railings and metal fences on a flooded street in Toowoomba, Australia, during a flash flood Monday, Jan. 10, 2011.   (AP Photo/ABC)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
Arthurpa
Jan 11, 2011 12:00 PM CST
DarkFrancis, Prayers are coming atcha.
Riffran
Jan 11, 2011 12:28 AM CST
Hang in there DF....good luck, and be safe
Mr_Joshua
Jan 10, 2011 1:48 PM CST
Hey Nx-aka-DarkFrancis. I didn't know you were from Brisvegas. I haven't been home to Australia\Brissie for 17 years but I was 14 during the 74 flood and its hard to believe its happening again. I remember floating around on doors at the bottom of the Albion overpass. 36 years on, if I close my eyes I can still smell that stench of rotting vegetation. Hang tough guys, it's not easy but as Australians, you'll deal with it with the all the humor and grace for which we are known ! And you can call me...............Mr Joshua
 

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