Floods cut off Australian city

The Australian city of Rockhampton was completely isolated by floodwaters overnight, with hundreds of homes being evacuated ahead of the Fitzroy River's expected peak of 9.4 meters on Wednesday.

The regional city is virtually cut off, and the military is using Black Hawk helicopters and a C-130 Hercules to send in supplies.

The death toll from severe flooding in the northeastern state of Queensland rose Monday as authorities airlifted supplies to communities facing flood waters that were expected to rise for up to two more days.

Flooding, which intensified about a week ago after monsoon rains caused rivers to spill their banks and reach record levels, has left thousands of people homeless.

Nine people have been confirmed dead, and another reported missing and presumed dead, according to a spokeswoman for the Queensland Police Services Department.

The floodwaters have inundated at least 22 cities and towns in the region. Queensland's chief minister, Premier Anna Bligh, called for an emergency Cabinet meeting to be held on Wednesday.

Grants of up to $25,000 for small business and more than $1,000 for every adult with immediate needs have been made available as part of a flood relief package announced Monday.

Australia has received offers of assistance from the U.S. and New Zealand.