Floods in the Australian state of Queensland are one of the most severe one in the history of the continent. They took at least nine lives, while more than 70 people were reported as missing, BBC reported early Tuesday.

Police has called for evacuation of several parts of Brisbane, the third biggest city on the continent, after weather forecasters warned that continued torrential rain would augment the floodwaters barreling toward the city.

This has been a night of extraordinary events," State Premier Anna Bligh told a news conference on Tuesday.

"We've seen acts of extreme bravery and courage from our emergency workers. We know they're out on the frontline desperately trying to begin their search and rescue efforts, and we know we have people stranded and people lost," she said.