Floodwaters pour into deserted city centre as death toll rises

Surging waters reached the tops of traffic lights in some parts and swept away buildings and bridges, the debris adding to the deadly potential of surging waters.

At least 22 people have died and more than 40 are missing across Australia's north-eastern state of Queensland since rains that began in November sent swollen rivers spilling over their banks, flooding an area larger than France and Germany combined. Brisbane, the state capital with a population of two million, is the latest city to face down the waters, and officials expect the death toll to rise.

Residents who had spent two days preparing yesterday took cover on higher ground while others scrambled to move their prized possessions to the top floors of their homes. Some stacked furniture on their roofs.

The Brisbane River was expected to reach its highest point last night. The Bureau of Meteorology said it expected the floodwaters would crest about a foot lower than earlier thought. If correct, the new forecast meant the waters would not reach the depth of 1974 floods that swept the city.

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said the news was welcome, but of little comfort for those waiting in fear for the deluge. "This is still a major event, the city is much bigger, much more populated and has many parts under flood that didn't even exist in 1974. We are still looking at an event which will cripple parts of our city."

The dragged-out crisis took a deadly escalation on Monday when a violent storm sent a 26ft, fast-moving torrent – described as an "inland instant tsunami" –crashing through the Lockyer Valley, swamping the city of Toowoomba and smaller towns to the west of Brisbane. Twelve people died, including young children.

Yesterday Ms Bligh said the number of missing had been revised down to 43 as specialist teams began the grisly task of searching underwater for bodies.

The Brisbane River broke its banks on Tuesday and was yesterday continuing its rise – partly controlled by a dam upstream that has had its floodgates opened because it is brimming after weeks of rain.

The city of Ipswich, home to about 15,000 people, was swamped by the water heading Brisbane's way. By yesterday afternoon, 3,000 properties had been inundated, and 1,100 people had fled to evacuation centres.

Water levels in Brisbane are expected to stay at peak levels until at least Saturday but many people will not be able to reach their homes for several days beyond that.

The city's office buildings stood empty with the normally bustling central business district transformed into a watery ghost town. Most roads around the city were closed, and people moved about in kayaks, rowing boats and even on surfboards.

Boats torn from their moorings floated down the rising river along with massive amounts of debris. A popular waterside restaurant's pontoon was swept away by the current and floated downstream.

Officials opened three more evacuation centres creating room for 16,000 people to take shelter.

Almost 70,000 homes are without power.

Kangaroo saved from drowning

A FATHER of five who risked his own life to rescue a drowning kangaroo in Ipswich has said he "couldn't stand there and watch our coat of arms just drown".

Raymond Cole dived in to rescue the animal which was overcome by the surging current of the floodwaters.

But officials at the RSPCA in Queensland say native wildlife are the most likely to survive the disaster since most will be able to swim.

Officers for the charity have been pushed to the limit rescuing stranded pets, wildlife and livestock from the floods.