Thousands evacuate as floods continue Southeast Australia

Almost 9,000 people have been ordered to leave their homes in the town of Wagga Wagga in New South Wales as floods continue in southeast Australia. The Murrumbidgee river is predicted to peak at 10.9 m, sparking fears that the town's levee may be breached, according to the (BBC). Police, the military and the emergency services were all helping with the evacuation. Days of heavy rain have caused flooding across three Australian states and left at least two people dead. Parts of Queensland and Victoria are also affected. On Tuesday, emergency personnel and officials in Wagga Wagga said they were ''monitoring'' the rising water and the levee. Australia's Prime Minister Julia Gillard told reporters that military resources have been deployed and are standing by to render aid if necessary. Police have gone door-to-door in the town to encourage people to leave.