British travellers in the storm-hit Australian states of Queensland and New South Wales have been advised to keep up to date with the impact of torrential rain and flooding.
They should listen to local media and emergency services when travelling due to “severe flooding” in several major cities and towns, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office warned.
The advice came as more than 1,500 people were reported to have been evacuated as record floods hit the city of Bundaberg in Queensland as the Burnett River burst its banks, flooding 2,000 homes. Some 7,500 people are thought to have been displaced across the city.
The Queesnland government declared a disaster in the state as four people were reported to have died in the severe weather.
There are concerns that the Clarence River, at a record high, could flood the city of Grafton in New South Wales where 2,500 people were told to evacuate.
Tropical Cyclone Oswald, which triggered the flooding, is now heading out to sea south of Sydney.
The FCO said: “New South Wales is now on alert for heavy rains, damaging winds and heavy surf as ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald moves down the east coast.
“Travellers in affected areas should keep up-to-date with advice from local media and emergency services.”
Queensland police minister Jack Dempsey told the BBC: “The main priority at the moment on the ground is life and we really do implore people to go to the highest points, listen to the emergency service workers and their directions.”