Australia's Queensland Faces 'Biblical' Flood -- BBC
A senior official has described the flooding in Queensland, Australia, as a disaster of "biblical proportions".
State Treasurer Andrew Fraser said the economic impact would be severe, with huge costs compounded by lost income from mining, farming and tourism.
Rockhampton, where 77,000 people live, is the latest city bracing for impact, amid warnings of 30ft (9m) floodwaters.
More than 20 other towns have already been left cut off or flooded across an area larger than France and Germany.
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MIDDLE EAST
Fewer Iraqi civilians, more Iraqi security forces die in 2010 violence.
Yemen releases key southern separatist leader.
Iran threatens trial for opposition leaders.
Coptic church bombing in Egypt is latest assault on Mideast Christians. Fears of religious clashes grow after Egypt bombing. Egypt detains 17 after deadly blast, Al Jazeera says.
ASIA
NKorea warns war would bring 'nuclear holocaust'.
Russia-China oil pipeline opens.
2011 seen as make-or-break year for Afghan mission.
Despite anti-corruption drive, scandals plague Communist leaders in China.
AFRICA
Ivory Coast president has limited time to step down with impunity.
Sudan president seeks to calm fears.
Nigeria’s MEND rebel group denies responsibility for bomb blast.
Mali tackles Al Qaeda and drug traffic.
EUROPE
Estonia gets cool welcome from a eurozone in crisis.
Ukraine ships out uranium under Obama plan to secure materials.
Russia opposition: 'More than 120' arrested at rallies.
Russian 2010 oil output hits post-Soviet record.
AMERICAS
Chavez and Clinton shake hands amid diplomatic tension. Without ambassadors, US-Venezuela tensions grow.
Roussef, Brazil's first female president, vows war on poverty.
Cardinal says Cuba will free prisoners as promised.
Ciudad Juarez residents flee Mexico's 'dying city'.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Al Qaeda, Taliban create female suicide cells in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Pakistan drone raid kills at least 15 in N Waziristan.
Obama: Top Al-Qaeda leadership under tremendous pressure.
Egypt church bombing: Why some point to Al Qaeda-linked group.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Bumpy climb for stocks in 2010.
Oil's surge in 2010 paves the way for $4 gasoline.
Hangover or afterparty for stocks?