Deadly floodwaters triggered by record rainfall in Australia’s northeast rose for a third day Monday as authorities warned flood-stricken communities to brace themselves for further destruction.

One person has died, and thousands have been forced to evacuate, due to flash floods in northeast Australia. Flash floods have hit northeast Australia since Friday, with thousands under evacuation orders. Large parts of North Queensland have been affected, with the city of Townsville and the town of Ingham severely impacted.

One person died on Sunday in Australia's north Queensland state in heavy flooding, authorities said, urging thousands of people to move to higher ground because of torrential rains.

A woman has died in Australia and thousands have been forced to flee their homes after torrential rainfall caused flooding in northern Queensland. Authorities say waters will continue to rise and have warned of a "dangerous and life-threatening" situation.

SYDNEY (dpa): Flood waters are rising in the Australian state of Queensland after heavy rainfall. The area between Townsville and Cairns in the north-east is particularly badly affected - a region that is also very popular with tourists. The coastal towns are considered the gateway to the world's largest coral reef, the Great Barrier Reef.

Authorities are warning deadly flooding in northern Queensland is expected to worsen. More than a metre of rain has fallen between Townsville and Innisfail in the past five days due to a slow-moving monsoon trough.

Residents in greater Townsville have been warned to leave by midday on Sunday as north Queensland continues to be smashed with rain.