Australian prime minister intends to declare national emergency.

Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, says he will declare a national emergency over flooding in two states.

Mr. Morrison’s declaration – which will be a first of such announcement nationally – will allow federal authorities to intervene more directly.

The disaster in New South Wales and Queensland has killed 20 people and flooded thousands of homes in the past two weeks, after record rains.

Federal and state governments have been blamed for not acting faster to help residents.

Kevin Madu