Floods worsen and threaten Brisbane

The affected area extends to half of the state.

Torrential rains have hit Queensland since the end of December. Officials from the Australian Desk of Meteorology warned that the soil of the region lost its ability to absorb water after 2 weeks of severe weather.

The flooded area is about equal to France and Germany. Floods threaten Brisbane, the third largest city. Forecasts indicate that the river will continue rising until Thursday.

Entire neighborhoods were evacuated; some areas show the appearance of a ghost town. The stores are robbed by customers wanting to stock and fearing a worsening food supply.

Economists say the floods will cause billions of dollars in damage to the Australian economy and in the agricultural sector.

source: xinhua, sydney morning, New York Times