Storm leaves devastation in Australia

A powerful storm ripped through the city of Townsville in northern Queensland.

It uprooted trees and tore roofs and walls off homes, spreading debris throughout the area.

Local media reported that between 25 and 30 houses were damaged.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) UNIDENTIFIED RESIDENT SAYING:

"Wind started picking up and you could hear the whole house start shaking. We all got in the bathroom and you could hear the trees coming down. The back mango tree in our yard was, you could hear it, you could smell the wood as it was shattering."

Authorities have warned people to stay indoors, as live power lines have fallen on roads, leaving around 7,000 homes without electricity.

A severe weather warning remained in place for the region.

Sophia Soo, Reuters.