Heavy flooding hits Australia

Severe flooding continues in eastern Australia after seven days of heavy rain.
Local media said about 4,500 motorists were stranded in the Brisbane area after parts of Queensland were inundated, leaving many areas and roads cut off.
Residents north of Brisbane have been told to leave their homes as the waters continue to rise.
And motorists have been advised to avoid driving through flood-affected areas - after at least 16 rescues had already been carried out.
Authorities have said more rain is expected.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) SIMON GREG, STATE EMERGENCY SERVICES OFFICER, SAYING:
"The bureau of meteorology's predictions are up to another 300 millimetres in the next 24 hours."
The flooding has also affected Australia Day festivities, causing events scheduled in much of the east of the country to be cancelled.
Travis Brecher, Reuters