Red Cross is flying in trained staff and volunteers from across Australia and New Zealand in response to the latest floods emergency in the Lockyer Valley area in southeast Queensland and Brisbane.

Red Cross emergency response teams are being sent to emergency zones across the region after freak flash flooding hit the Lockyer Valley and Toowoomba regions overnight.

We are also preparing for expected evacuations in Brisbane.

Red Cross is working closely with a number of partner agencies and organisations to recruit additional emergency workers and support staff.

We are also managing existing evacuation centres in Rockhampton, Emerald, Dalby, Moura, Theodore and St George. More than 4,000 people have stayed at these evacuation centres since December 27.

"Queenslanders need our support like never before," Red Cross Queensland Executive Director Greg Goebel said.

"Red Cross is flying in from across Australia and New Zealand additional trained staff and volunteers. Our volunteers and staff are trained and experienced in disaster and emergency response but we are being fully tested. The scale, intensity and duration of this disaster is unprecedented.

"We are also working closely with a number of partner organisations to recruit additional emergency workers and support staff."

People affected by the floods are being urged to register their details, including their whereabouts, online at the Red Cross and Queensland Police National Registration Inquiry System (NRIS) at www.redcross.org.au

"Red Cross is making sure anyone forced to leave their home will have a safe, dry place to stay. Lifeline counsellors are on hand at our evacuation centres." Mr Goebel said.

Media contacts:

Media inquiries: Michael Gillies Smith, emergency services media adviser, 0448 571 484.