Brisbane, the capital of Queensland and the country’s third most populous city, is home to about 2 million people.

Nine people have died in the past 24 hours and the Australian police fear the death could rise as floods sweep into the city.

The country’s prime minister Julia Gillard referred to the chances of more deaths saying Australian’s should ‘brace themselves for more bad news.’

The Gold Coast Police District’s, which covers Brisbane, acting superintendent Paul Ziebarth said: “People are advised to take extreme caution and not to attempt to drive through floodwaters.

“Motorists and members of the public are reminded of the hazardous and unpredictable nature of flood waters and the dangers associated with storm debris and road washouts.

“I urge them to obey road closure signage. Flooded roads, creeks and water courses should be avoided, and road conditions can change rapidly as water can rise and fall quickly. Non-essential travel in flood affected areas should be limited.

“Don’t put your family, yourself or emergency responders at risk by crossing flooded roads or causeways or attempting to swim or enter flood waters.”

The unpredictable nature of the floods makes it hard for the emergency services but estimates believe almost 7,000 homes will experience varying levels of high water and around 9,000 could need to be evacuated.

The Southern Police Region has also suffered heavy rainfall to many of its districts within the Warwick area with the main river now at 7.2 metres which has closed the main bridge.

Two evacuation centres are operating in Warwick with a small number of people housed there.

Within Stanthorpe, two evacuation centres are currently operating with approximately 50 people housed there.

Luke Walsh

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