CANBERRA, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- As many as 600 troops are expected to be called in to aid the Brisbane storm clean-up as the extent of damage becomes clearer.

　　The army is working with the State Emergency Service and Brisbane City Council to help provide shelter, clean water and remove debris from streets around The Gap and surrounding suburbs, Australian Associated Press reported from Brisbane.

　　It said many of the 370 soldiers currently assisting the recovery effort saw their own homes damaged by the storm.

　　Persistent bad conditions have hampered the army's contribution, as soldiers were forced to stop work on Monday night when wind and rain compromised their safety.

　　"It's surprising this happened in Brisbane. You never expect it to happen wherever you live, because Brisbane's not a cyclonic area," the report quoted 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment operations officer Major Richard Peace as said.

　　"There's still no power, no street lighting and no house lighting, so getting into these houses is problematic," Peace said.

　　Peace expected they would continue helping out until at least Friday, or longer if the storm activity continues.