'Once-in-a-century' floods hit northeast Australia

A recent undated picture provided by the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and received by AFP on February 3, 2019 shows floodwaters as they rush over the Aplins Weir in Townsville after days of torrential rain. [AFP]

Once-in-a-century floods have turned streets into rivers and forced thousands to abandon their homes in northeast Australia, with authorities warning of tornadoes and more rain over the next few days.

Australia's tropical north experiences heavy rains during the monsoon season at this time of the year, but the recent downpour has surged far above normal levels.