Bodies found in search for Chinese backpackers missing in floodwaters

Two bodies have been found in the search for Chinese backpackers who went missing in floodwaters in south-east Queensland.

The 26-year-old man and 23-year-old woman were travelling in a Silver Subaru Forester from Brisbane to the North Burnett region, inland from Bundaberg, but failed to make it to their destination.

A large-scale search involving police, SES and helicopters from Kilkivan to Mundubbera kicked off and crews found the Subaru in floodwater on Kilkivan Tansey Road yesterday afternoon.

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"Following an initial examination of the scene, two deceased persons were located inside the vehicle," a police spokesperson said.

"However, police believe the two deceased to be the missing 26-year-old man and 23-year-old woman."

Police divers and a crash forensic team remain at the scene.

It is believed the pair were driving from Brisbane to the South Burnett region to pick up fruit-picking work and the alarm was raised when they did not arrive at their destination.

Hundreds flooded in Bundaberg

It comes as floodwaters inundated hundreds of homes in different parts of the state.

Many communities remained cut off yesterday evening after the peak in Bundaberg fell just short of what was feared, while the worst was yet to come in Chinchilla, where an emergency declaration was made.

Major flooding affected hundreds of homes and businesses in Bundaberg, and many communities were likely to remain cut off for days.

Boats were the only mode of transport around some of the city, after the Burnett River swallowed streets, homes, businesses and a pub.

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Robert Hughes was nearly finished renovating his place before water poured through above knee height.

"[It's] devastating just after all the work that we've done here and now we're driving in the backyard in a boat," he told 9News.

"Brand new spa floating."

White goods and a lawnmower catcher were seen floating along flooded streets that inundated cars, homes, schools and even the Mitre 10 hardware store, which residents will need for the recovery.

Residents were cut off from many communities as the Burnett River peaked at 7.4 metres before dropping to 6.9 metres.

More than 200 homes and businesses were impacted, and Bundaberg Mayor Helen Blackburn said the community likely wouldn't know the full extent of the damage for about a week.

Authorities have asked residents for patience as crews work to assess the damage.

"We need to make sure there are no issues around people being electrocuted, we need to make sure that the roads are safe," Bundaberg Police chief inspector Grant Marcus said.

Thousands of residents in Bundaberg North also remain cut off from Bundaberg, with Tallon and Burnett River Bridges closed.

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Two residents in the community decided to make light of the situation.

"Hoping for a barramundi or two out here, maybe a barra-Wednesday," resident Noel Lynham told 9News.

"It is my birthday so we're going to have a couple of drinks."

Brad McKeen said despite the flooding he feels "blessed".

"We're just blessed, we might not have power but we've got smiles on our dials," he said.

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Emergency in Chinchilla

Police made an emergency declaration in Chinchilla, about 250 kilometres west of the Sunshine Coast, about 5pm yesterday due to flooding.

Dozens of businesses and homes have already been inundated with rapidly rising flood water - and, the worst is yet to come.

"I only shifted into my new salon three months ago. It's just, yeah, been all ruined overnight," Flourish Hair owner Clare Wassell told 9News. 

Emergency services received reports of rising floodwaters likely to impact low-lying areas of the township near Charleys Creek, which swamped the Warrego Highway in both directions.

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It was a mad dash to get everything out yesterday as local construction company Western Downs Civil and others helped with evacuations. 

The creek was expected to reach 6.6 metres by 11.30pm and peak at 6.8 metres tomorrow.

The exclusion zone encompasses Braithwaite Street to the end of Mutch Street, along the creek line to Railway Street, from Railway Street to Heeney Street, from Heeney Street to Hypatia Street, from Hypatia Street to Gormelys Road, from Gormelys Road to Rider Street, and along the creek line back to Braithwaite Street.

A place of refuge was established at Chinchilla Showgrounds located on Zeller Street and police were door-knocking addresses where evacuations are advised.

"Members of the public are urged to follow the advice of police and avoid driving unnecessarily in the exclusion zone. If it's flooded, forget it," police said.

"If you are in a life-threatening situation, please call Triple Zero (000) immediately."

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