<span style="color: #222222;">In Australia, thousands of residents in and around the coastal city of Townsville in Queensland have been warned of unprecedented flooding after dam gates were fully opened today. The floodgates the Ross River dam were opened as incessant rains continued in the region. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The officials have warned that up to 20,000 homes could be flooded. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology have asked people to stay informed, look for s, and follow advice of emergency services.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Townsville has received more than a metre of rain in just a week, which is more than 20 times the average for the time of year. Thousands of residents in the area have already been affected, some left without power and others cut off by flooded roads.</span><br />