Thousands of residents in southern parts of Australia's New South Wales state are bracing themselves for the largest floods to hit the region in 40 years. 

Much of the state is underwater and river levels are continuing to rise. 

In Wagga Wagga, hundreds of low-lying properties have already been inundated with water.

One river that runs through the town is expected to peak at 35.7 feet today, its highest peak since 1853.

Around 9000 people have been evacuated amid fears a flood levee will break its banks.