In Queensland, Australian authorities are urgently responding to a flooding emergency that has evacuated thousands, disrupted the power supply to numerous homes, and destroyed critical highway segments.
A woman has lost her life due to the flooding that has wreaked havoc in the northern regions of the state, particularly affecting residents in Townsville, Ingham, and Cardwell, who are among those most severely impacted.
Authorities have announced that “record” downpours are expected to persist. Certain areas of the region have already received nearly 1.3 meters (4.2 feet) of rain since Saturday, leading to the overflow of rivers and reservoirs.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who received updates on the response efforts on Monday, remarked that the disaster has showcased “the best of Australians.”
In a recent post on X, he highlighted the spirit of Australians coming together during challenging times, noting that the “threat from floodwaters” would linger in impacted regions for several days.
Efforts to aid the most severely affected regions have faced challenges due to flood damage impacting sections of the Bruce Highway, the primary route extending 1,673 kilometres (1,039 miles) from the southern part of the state.
The Queensland Trucking Association informed the ABC that a partial bridge collapse could add 700 kilometres to driving routes, potentially delaying the delivery of essential supplies.
In a heartfelt statement, Queensland’s Premier David Crisafulli expressed his condolences to the close community of Ingham following the tragic death of a 63-year-old woman. The incident occurred when a State Emergency Service (SES) dinghy capsized during a rescue operation on Sunday.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences for their loss,” he told the press on Monday.
Crisafulli has advised all residents in the designated “black-zone” affected by the floods, encompassing six suburbs of Townsville, to refrain from returning home, citing the persistent danger from the adjacent Ross River.
The Bureau of Meteorology in Australia reported that the region experienced an extraordinary deluge, receiving the equivalent of six months’ worth of rainfall within just three days.
The Townsville Local Disaster Management Group has warned that approximately 2,000 homes may face inundation as water levels are projected to rise ahead of their anticipated peak on Tuesday.
A significant number of residences have experienced flooding already. An Ingham resident caring for her elderly mother reported to the Townsville Bulletin that they endured a seven-hour wait for emergency services to assist with evacuation following property damage.
“I found myself in tears, overwhelmed with emotion.” “Someone even hung up on me when I called triple-0, saying, ‘We’re busy,'” she recounted.
Significant flood warnings continue affecting communities along multiple rivers as rainfall begins to subside.
Crisafulli has issued a warning that Ingham may face its most severe flooding in six decades if the Herbert River rises above 15.2 meters.
Emergency responders have been tirelessly engaged. On Sunday night, the SES reported receiving 480 calls for assistance and conducting 11 “swift water” rescues. Reports indicate widespread power outages persist, preventing specific communities from seeking help.
SES Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy emphasised the importance of vigilance and encouraged individuals to contact their neighbours whenever feasible. He reported that approximately 400 individuals are accommodated in evacuation centres throughout Townsville, Ingham, and Cardwell.
Officials have urged residents to remain vigilant for crocodiles, warning that these reptiles may hide in streams outside their typical environments.
In the tropics, North Queensland faces significant risks from destructive cyclones, storms, and flooding.
Climate scientists have issued warnings that rising ocean temperatures and an increasingly hotter planet are fostering conditions conducive to more intense and frequent extreme rainfall events.
