Gillard pledges flood aid

A lucky escape from the floods in parts of Australia...this man was plucked from his car by rescuers in the New South Wales city of Wagga Wagga.

About 8, 000 people have already fled their homes in Wagga Wagga after warnings the Murumbidgee river was on the rise again.

Australia's Prime Minister Julia Gillard on Wednesday took a first hand look at the scenes of devastation.

She's promising government help.

SOUNDBITE: Julia Gillard, Australian Prime Minister, saying (English):

"When the flood water subsides, then we'll be able to count the cost in infrastructure damage and we will be working with the state government and the local government to assist with getting infrastructure back in order."

The town of Nathalia in northern Victoria is anxiously waiting for water levels to peak.

Homes in the east are already underwater. Residents are bracing themselves for the worst.

SOUNDBITE: Unidentified resident saying (English):

"Yes, it won't be long. It it gets in we're sunk."

SOUNDBITE: Unidentified resident saying (English):

"What more can you do? Everyone is prepared as much as we can be so why worry. Now it's just a waiting game and it will happen if it happens."

SOUNDBITE: Unidentified resident saying (English):

"Obviously they're expecting more water. It's coming from different areas so I think we're going to cop it."

Australia's Bureau of Meteorology says more heavy rain's on the way in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland over the next 24 hours.

Paul Chapman, Reuters