Floods Wreak Havoc in Northeastern Australia, Thousands Flee
Emergency Situation
Fast-moving floodwaters rose Monday in northeastern Australia, forcing many to flee, blacking out homes, and sweeping away a chunk of a critical bridge. The severe weather has already dumped over a meter (39 inches) of rain in just two days, engulfing homes, businesses, and roads in muddy waters, authorities said.
Regional Impact
Aerial footage showed rural communities surrounded by the floodwaters, cut off from nearby roads. "We are going to see widespread rain and storms spread across much of northern Queensland," said the state’s premier, David Crisafulli, in a news conference. "We remain prepared for the ongoing prospect of more rain and the likelihood of more flooding, both flash flooding and riverine flooding."
Rescue Efforts
Emergency services carried out 11 "swift water rescues" overnight, the premier said. Areas of flood-hit Townsville, a popular coastal tourist destination that lies near the Great Barrier Reef, had been declared a "black zone," he said. "Our advice to residents in the black zone at the moment is to stay out of that zone and stay safe."
Fatalities and Property Damage
One woman in her 60s was killed Sunday when the rescue boat she was in flipped over in the flood-hit rural town of Ingham, about 100 kilometers (60 miles) from Townsville, police said. Her body was recovered later. The floods also swept away a section of a concrete bridge over a creek, cutting off the state’s main coastal road, the Bruce Highway, the state premier said.
Power Outages and Isolation
Almost 11,000 properties remained without power across north Queensland, Ergon Energy said, with no timeframe given for when electricity would be restored. The heavy rain is expected to continue for 24 hours, with some locations to receive 300 millimeters (12 inches), before it begins to ease, the national weather agency said.
Crocodiles on the Move
The town is pressing for power to be restored and working with large supermarket chains to deliver food, the mayor said. People could expect to see crocodiles moving about in search of calmer waters, the environment department warned this weekend. One farmer told national broadcaster ABC he saw a "bunch of crocodiles" around his rural property, 140 kilometers (87 miles) south of Cairns, sharing a photo of one of the reptiles lit up by a car’s headlights as it lurked on a flooded road.
Climate Change Concerns
As global temperatures rise due to climate change, scientists have warned that heatwaves and other extreme weather events will become more frequent and more intense. Queensland is Australia’s most disaster-prone state, experiencing major floods in 2019, 2022, and 2023, research from the non-profit Climate Council shows.
Conclusion
The ongoing flood situation in northeastern Australia is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of extreme weather events and the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of climate change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current situation with the floods in northeastern Australia?
A: The floods have already dumped over a meter of rain in two days, engulfing homes, businesses, and roads in muddy waters, and forcing thousands to flee.
Q: What is the current situation with power outages?
A: Almost 11,000 properties remain without power across north Queensland, with no timeframe given for when electricity will be restored.
Q: Are there any concerns about crocodiles?
A: Yes, the environment department has warned that people could expect to see crocodiles moving about in search of calmer waters, and one farmer has reported seeing a "bunch of crocodiles" around his rural property.