New flood fears as rains lash Australia tourist areas

Heavy rain lashed Australia's prime tourist beaches on Sunday, provoking warnings that flooding in vast areas of the northeast could soon hit tourist areas and Queensland's state capital Brisbane, forecasters said.

Rainfall of up to 50mm an hour had been reported in some areas, they said. A close watch was also being kept on the Gold Coast, popular with international sun-seekers and an essential part of Queensland's economy. (Reuters)