Floods hit eastern Australia

Heavy summer rains have prompted authorities to issue flood warnings across vast areas of Queensland and New South Wales.

Australia's Bureau of Meteorology said more rains are expected over the next 24 hours - adding to weeks of heavy downpours.

Police in New South Wales said the floods have spread through many people's homes.

Some residents have heeded orders to evacuate, while others have stayed put, using sandbags as protection.

In Port MacQuarie, the skipper of a yacht is feared dead after his crew reported him missing after he was caught in a storm.

But local police are hopeful.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) DON STEWART, NEW SOUTH WALES POLICE, SAYING:

"From the information supplied by his friends on board they believe he was wearing a lifejacket."

The New South Wales State Emergency Service estimates 12,000 people could be isolated by floodwaters by late Thursday.

Travis Brecher, Reuters