Queensland battles debris from Cyclone Yasi

Thousands of Australian soldiers, police and emergency workers have been sent to help Queensland's stricken coastal communities, left reeling by the state's worst storm in a century.

Emergency teams are cutting through the debris to reach towns still isolated after Cyclone Yasi hit on Wednesday.

Heavy rains and flash floods are said to be hampering rescue efforts. Power is still out for 150,000 homes.