Severe flooding continues in eastern Australia after seven days of heavy rain.<br/> Local media said about 4,500 motorists were stranded in the Brisbane area after parts of Queensland were inundated, leaving many areas and roads cut off.<br/> Residents north of Brisbane have been told to leave their homes as the waters continue to rise.<br/> And motorists have been advised to avoid driving through flood-affected areas - after at least 16 rescues had already been carried out.<br/> Authorities have said more rain is expected.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (English) SIMON GREG, STATE EMERGENCY SERVICES OFFICER, SAYING:<br/> "The bureau of meteorology's predictions are up to another 300 millimetres in the next 24 hours."<br/> The flooding has also affected Australia Day festivities, causing events scheduled in much of the east of the country to be cancelled.<br/> Travis Brecher, Reuters
