UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon?Wednesday voiced his concern at the heavy toll the ongoing floods have taken on lives and property across much of north-eastern Australia.

According to media reports, more than 200,000 people in an area larger than France and Germany combined have been affected since flood waters began rising in the state of Queensland in December.

The floods have reportedly claimed at least nine lives and caused damage worth billions of dollars. They have also destroyed vital food crops and forced much of the state's mining industry to a halt.

"The Secretary-General is concerned by the danger to life and the destruction of property following the ongoing floods," Mr. Ban's spokesperson said in a statement.

"He extends his condolences to the families of those who have been affected and stresses the readiness of the United Nations to assist in any way necessary," the statement added.