Towns cut off in eastern Australia flooding

Severe flooding is threatening parts of New South Wales and Queensland in eastern Australia, with towns cut off and thousands of residents evacuated.

More than 10,000 people in communities affected by the floods have been left stranded, authorities said on Friday.

A military helicopter was sent to the northern New South Wales town of Moree with bedding and supplies.

"From the air it looks like an inland sea," said New South Wales Premier Barry O'Farrell.