Australian town declared disaster area

Residents in Townsville in North Queensland have been evacuated, as the coastal city has been declared a disaster area after heavy rain triggers the worst flooding in a century.

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, major flood levels have been reached in some parts with a months' worth of rain coming down in just one day.

The affected area covers 700 kilometres, from Cairns to Mackay.

Army personnel have been called in to help with sandbagging to keep the rising waters at bay. 

Local authorities advised residents to avoid using roads and move to higher ground if necessary.