Australia calls in military to help flood victims

Australia mobilized its military to help the victims of devastating floods in the northeast state of Queensland, which now cover an area bigger than Texas, or of France and Germany combined.

Communities and properties have been isolated by the worst flooding in the state's recorded history, with forced evacuations in many central Queensland towns and the coastal city of Rockhampton likely to be cut off over the weekend.

''This disaster is a long way from over,'' said the state premier, Anna Bligh, touring the flood-affected regions with the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard. Twenty-two towns had been flooded or isolated, Bligh said.

The military on Friday stepped up its involvement, using Hercules transport aircraft to ferry emergency supplies and evacuate thousands from regional centers.

Up to 200,000 people have been affected by the disaster, though the authorities said it was still unclear how many people were homeless.

Bligh said the damage bill would be substantial. ''This recovery from this event is going to require literally billions of dollars from … federal, state and local governments,'' she told local media.

Gillard authorized hardship payments for Queensland flood victims: Those whose homes were flooded or damaged will be eligible for disaster relief payments of $1,000 per adult and $400 per child.