Deadly flash floods are swamping Australia today. Residents in Australia’s third largest city, Brisbane, have sandbagged their homes against the rising waters. The torrential rain just keep coming, worsening floods that have already paralyzed the northeast region and crippled most business.

At least four people have been killed in Toowoomba, a town west of Brisbane. Others are missing. Experts are now predicting that the disaster would stifle economic recovery in the nation this year.

The worst floods in Queensland in 50 years have over the last weeks covered areas the size of France and Germany combined. Dozens of towns have been isolated or partially submerged. More monsoon rains are expected all week.

“God we pray for Australia in the grip of these torrential rains and floods. Keep people safe. Give them hope and strength. Give officials wisdom to make right decisions in handling the disaster. Lord, we know that you send rain for the good of the land. But we ask that you would temper the tide in Australia. Calm the storms. Gentle the rain. We pray that out of this individuals and the nation as a whole would come closer to you. In Jesus…”