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

The central Victorian town of Carisbrook is under water, with nearly 200 homes submerged by floods.

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

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.

Officials are keeping a close watch on flood levees protecting a town bordering Queensland and New South Wales as water levels creep within 40cm of their 11 metre limit.

The water is starting to recede in Queensland but the body count continues to rise in the devastated Lockyer Valley region where dozens of people remain missing.

No bodies have been found in a mass of cars washed under a Queensland town's rail bridge where authorities feared they would find several people dead.

NZ's Civil Defence team was back on the move in flood-ravaged Queensland today after spending a frustrating day off confined to one of the state's isolated communities.

Flooding has left a valley to the west of Brisbane looking like a war zone, with Australian troops steeling themselves for expected ‘terrible outcomes’ as they move into the devastated area.

The threat of looting is making Queensland flood victims reluctant to evacuate their properties.

Brisbane's mayor has called on residents to 'put the shoulder to the wheel' and help clean up.