BRISBANE, Australia, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- Queensland, Australia, ordered evacuations as floodwaters rose Wednesday, officials said.
In Bundaberg, the Burnett River is expected to peak at 25 feet, and 200 residents were urged to leave their homes, the Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported.
Premier Anna Bligh visited the scene and said it is was the worst flood in living memory for the area.
Rockhampton was preparing for the Fitzroy River to crest early next week.
And the Vince Lester Bridge leading to Emerald was shut down as the Nogoa River swelled.
More than 160 people spent Wednesday night in shelters in Emerald, a figure expected to surpass 1,000 Thursday, the report said. Nursing home residents were taken to the Emerald Agricultural College and others to the town hall.
In Theodore, west of Bundaberg, all 300 residents were relocated to Moura.
The weather bureau says the rain is abating in the southeast but will continue for a few more days in central Queensland.
