A woman swept from the road in her car has become the first victim of massive flooding in the Australian state of Queensland, where at least two more persons have gone missing.

The 41—year—old woman's body was found two kilometres downstream in the Leichardt River in Queensland's Gulf Country, local media reported on Sunday.

She had disappeared last night when the car she was travelling in was washed off a causeway at Floraville near Burketown.

Authorities were also searching for a 38—year—old man in the flooded Boyne River, south of Gladstone, in central Queensland.

Water police, local surf lifesavers, volunteer marine rescuers and two helicopters were combing the area for the missing man.

In Rockhampton, authorities suspended the search for another man feared missing in Fitzroy river.

Queensland authorities are appealing to people to stay out of floodwaters.

Twenty towns and cities have been affected by the flooding that engulfed an area with the size of New South Wales. The situation is worsening day by day.

Southern inland communities know the torrent is on their way and are preparing for it.

Rockhampton is the focus of Queensland's flood crisis, with parts of the town isolated and homes at risk as the Fitzroy River rises.

Keywords: Australia flood