Evacuations are underway as severe tropical cyclone Yasi continues its charge towards the north Queensland coast.

Severe thunderstorms have hampered the reconnection of power to flood-weary southeast Queenslanders.

As floodwaters continue to isolate large areas of Queensland and Victoria, the ground is being laid for recriminations and blame.

Sealegs International is to deploy a second rescue craft in Brisbane.

There have been weeks of flooding in Queensland, and, for many, weeks before the dispossessed can return.

Two bull sharks have been spotted swimming past the McDonald’s restaurant in suburban Ipswich, south-west of Brisbane, 30km from the coast.

At least 476 people were killed when torrential rains unleashed mudslides near Rio, in Brazil.

'Her legs got caught in the sleepers and she was drowning with her baby in her arms.'

Queensland residents have been told to prepare for the 'unbearable stench' that follows a flood as the massive clean-up begins.