01 July 2005 Gold Coast hit by heavy rains
Torrential rains have battered Australia's Gold Coast, causing devastation to the popular tourist destination.
Parts of the coast in North South Wales, including Brisbane, Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour, Grafton and Lismore were affected by severe flooding.
The area is extremely popular with British backpackers, who traditionally travel the east coast between Sydney and Cairns.
Two people have been reported missing, and feared dead, after the truck they were in was swept off the road by floodwater.
Meanwhile 3,000 people have had to be evacuated from their Lismore homes, as the Wilson River reaches dangerously high levels.
According to the Press Association (PA), Brisbane airport had to be closed due to the weather, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded. Coolangatta Airport in Queensland was also closed down.
Police spokeswoman Michelle Beaman advised that people should not attempt to drive. In any case, 30 roads along the Gold Coast have been closed off.
Forecasters have indicated that the bad weather shows no sign of letting up.
© DeHavilland Information Servic
Archive Travel Insurance News Stories
Related Travel Insurance News
26 March 2008 Women 'confident' to travel alone
Women have become more confident to travel to traditional and emerging... [more]
26 March 2008 Paris and Bruges 'are emerging destinations for city breaks'
Paris and Bruges have been named as emerging destinations for city breaks in... [more]
26 March 2008 Princess takes birthday trip to traditional ski resort
Princess Eugenie, daughter of Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, and the Duke of... [more]
26 March 2008 Snow falls across Europe
Snow has been falling across Europe in the past week, leaving many traditional... [more]
Get a travel insurance quote today from Travel Insurance Web, comprehensive cover at an amazingly low price.
