In Australia, Queensland Premier Anna Bligh has announced an inquiry into flooding that has devastated swathes of the state. Ms Bligh said that the inquiry would look at issues including the operation of dams and would serve as an investment in the state’s future. Treasurer Wayne Swan has warned the floods could be the costliest natural disaster in Australia’s history.

Meanwhile, the death toll from the flooding rose to 20, after the body of a man was found in the Lockyer Valley area. Ten more people are still missing. Further south, the state of Victoria is also braced for floods. Water has already swamped some of the state’s northern towns and is threatening 1,400 homes in 43 others. Some 3,500 people have left their homes so far.