The drought in Australia is getting more and more severe.

The situation in a large part of Queensland is almost critical according to the authorities. People are being urged to use as little water as possible.

The water supply is practically exhausted in the towns of Blackwater, Maleny and Dalby. Tankers carrying water have been sent in to help out.

The extreme drought has dried up rivers, lakes and water wells in the outback. As a result many animals have died. Their rotting carcases could contaminate water supplies for the Aboriginal population when the rains return.

Photo: Australian drought - Flickr suburbanbloke