Floodwaters in Australia are now covering an area larger than France and Germany combined, and affecting at least 200,000 people.

Military aircraft dropped supplies to towns cut off by the floods northeastern Australia, Friday.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard toured an evacuation center in the flood-stricken town of Bundaberg. She announced that families whose homes had been flooded or damaged would be eligible for disaster relief payments of $1,000 per adult and $400 per child.

"My concern is for the people in these very difficult times," Gillard said.

Swollen rivers have inundated or isolated 22 towns in Queensland. Residents are stocking up on food or evacuating their homes.

The floods began last week after heavy rains caused rivers to overflow.