‘Gutwrenching’ cleanup under way

BRISBANE: A ‘‘gutwrenching’’ cleanup and recovery is under way across Queensland as the floodwaters slowly subside from the second major rain event this year.

Queensland’s southern interior remained on edge yesterday as river systems continued to rise and flood warnings remained in place for parts of Queensland, particularly in Mary, Condamine, Balonne, Thompson and Cooper river and creek catchments.

Homes and businesses across the state have been affected and a woman in her 30s died in floods near Mackay.

Police were searching for a missing man in the Brisbane River and authorities also feared for the occupants of an abandoned car found between Ballandean and Stanthorpe.

Focus shifted to the Lockyer Valley recovery yesterday after floodwaters swamped the town’s main street and surrounding farmland.

Farmers lost entire crops and face financial ruin. — AAP

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES Locals help a Chinese restaurant owner (right) salvage a freezer as floodwater inundates his business, in Laidley, southeast Queensland, at the weekend.