Flooding prompts evacuations in Australian towns

Days of downpours have left many communities inundated, with up to 11 inches (27 centimeters) falling in a 24-hour period in some areas.

Drenching rains are pounding communities across northeast Australia, flooding major highways and prompting evacuations.

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Days of downpours have left many communities inundated, with up to 11 inches (27 centimeters) falling in a 24-hour period in some areas.

The central Queensland state town of Theodore was under water on Tuesday, and officials are preparing to evacuate all 350 residents by helicopter.

The heavy rain has left many motorists stranded and shut down about 300 roads across Queensland, including two major highways to the state capital Brisbane.