Death toll in Australia floods rises to four; 50,000 isolated

The body of a man was found in a car trapped in flood waters in Australia's south-east on May 23, raising the death toll to four, after three days of incessant rain cut off entire towns, swept away livestock and destroyed homes.

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SYDNEY - The body of a man was found in a car trapped in flood waters in Australia's south-east on May 23, raising the death toll to four, after three days of incessant rain cut off entire towns, swept away livestock and destroyed homes.

The police said the man was found near Coffs Harbour, around 550km north of Sydney.

The search continued for a person missing since the deluge began early this week.

Around 50,000 people are still isolated, emergency services personnel said, while residents returning to their flooded homes were warned to watch out for dangers.

"If your home or premise has been inundated, flood waters have contaminants. There can be vermin, snakes... So you need to assess those risks. Electricity can also pose a danger as well," state Emergency Services Deputy Commissioner Damien Johnston told reporters.