Flood disaster 'of biblical proportions'

Skies in Queensland may have cleared but much of the state is still underwater.

More than 200,000 people have been affected by the worst flooding in the state's recorded history, which has hit an area bigger than France and Germany combined.

Thousands of residents saw in the New Year from evacuation centres although the weather was optimal for the revellers who flocked to vantage points overlooking the Brisbane River in the CBD.

South Australians celebrated after a day of scorching conditions, with temperatures climbing over 40 degrees and with much of the state on catastrophic fire warnings.