In Australia, thousands more people are preparing to evacuate their homes as one of the country’s worst floods continues to inundate the state of Queensland. Forced evacuations are being planned in Rockhampton as rising floodwaters threaten the town of 77,000. Queensland's prime minister said the floods have affected about 200,000 people over an area larger than France and Germany. Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has visited the flooded Bundaberg, and flew over Emerald as evacuations there continued. An estimated 22 towns have been left isolated or inundated by the rising waters, with fears that damage could cost billions of Australian dollars to repair. The situation in Emerald – a town of some 11,000 people is particularly bad. There was also major concern for Rockhampton, where residents are said to be attempting to stockpile bread and fresh fruit and vegetables. Recovery work following the floods is expected to cost billions of dollars, with officials warning of severe damage to homes, crops and livestock.