In Australia, a vast stretch of north-east coast is at dangerous risk of flooding after a powerful cyclone. The category four storm slammed into the coast of Queensland state between Bowen and Airlie Beach yesterday afternoon, packing destructive winds and devastating some of the region's tourist hotspots. Cyclone Debbie has caused major damage, torrential rain and power cuts to tens of thousands of homes. <br/><br/>Bureau of Meteorology warned of damaging wind gusts with intense rain, sparking flooding fears as river levels rise. It said the rainfall is likely to lead to major river flooding over a broad area this week. Tens of thousands of people moved to higher ground or cyclone shelters or left the region before Cyclone Debbie made landfall.

In Australia, a vast stretch of north-east coast is at dangerous risk of flooding after a powerful cyclone. The category four storm slammed into the coast of Queensland state between Bowen and Airlie Beach yesterday afternoon, packing destructive winds and devastating some of the region's tourist hotspots. Cyclone Debbie has caused major damage, torrential rain and power cuts to tens of thousands of homes. Authorities said Towns remained cut off in northern parts of the country today. <br/><br/>Bureau of Meteorology warned of damaging wind gusts with intense rain, sparking flooding fears as river levels rise. It said the rainfall is likely to lead to major river flooding over a broad area this week. Tens of thousands of people moved to higher ground or cyclone shelters or left the region before Cyclone Debbie made landfall.