Australian town hit by second flood in a month

2013-02-27 8

The Australian town of Gympie in Queensland state, inundated by flood waters for the second time within a month.

Once again, residents begin cleaning up the mess, brought on by days of torrential rains.

Dozens of shops were flooded along the main road in Gympie.

Shop owners returned on Wednesday to estimate the damage.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) UNKNOWN SHOP OWNER, SAYING:

"Much better than a metre (three feet) and last time it was two metres (six feet). So, it's better than that."

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard said flood assistance was on its way.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER JULIA GILLARD, SAYING:

"It's been a really heartbreaking summer for the people of Gympie and flood waters have hit yet again. We will continue to work with the state government and the people of Gympie to help them through this difficult time."

Water levels were slowly receding, according to local media.