THOUSANDS of people are still being evacuated from Brisbane's low-lying areas as flood waters continue to rise.

The city's Mayor, Campbell Newman, said almost 20,000 homes were expected to be swamped by the time the Brisbane River reaches its expected peak tomorrow.

At least 22 people have died in Australia's north-eastern state of Queensland since drenching rains that began in November sent swollen rivers spilling over their banks, inundating an area larger than France and Germany combined.

The crisis escalated when a violent storm sent a 26-foot, fast-moving torrent - described as an "inland instant tusnami" - crashing through the city of Toowoomba and smaller towns to the west of Brisbane on Monday.

We would like to hear from any Swindonians in the region with a view to letting readers know how they are coping with the situation.

Please leave a message below in the comments section, email us at newsdesk@swindonadvertiser.co.uk or call +441793 501806.