A woman has tragically died in Australia, and thousands of residents had to evacuate their homes due to severe flooding in northern Queensland. Authorities have issued warnings of a "dangerous and life-threatening" situation as water levels continue to rise.
Over 1,000mm (39in) of rain has fallen in parts of north-east Queensland since Friday, with forecasted "record rainfalls" expected until Monday, according to Queensland State Premier David Crisafulli. Meteorologists anticipate these to be the worst floods in the region in over 60 years.
Premier Crisafulli described the conditions as unprecedented in northern Queensland's recent history, emphasizing both the intensity and duration of the rainfall. He stated to Australian broadcaster ABC, "It's not just the intensity, but it's also the longevity of it."
The deceased woman was aboard a State Emergency Service (SES) dinghy when it struck a tree and capsized in Ingham, north-west Queensland. Tragically, she was a member of the public being rescued at the time, not an emergency worker. An investigation into the incident has been initiated.
In another instance, three individuals were rescued from a house's roof in Cardwell, situated between Cairns and Townsville. Video footage captured a man clutching a pole in Ingham after his vehicle was swept away, later safely rescued by locals in a boat.
Authorities fear that up to 1,700 homes in Townsville could be flooded, with river levels expected to rise. Despite evacuation orders for several Townsville neighborhoods, some residents have chosen to remain, reminiscent of the devastating 2019 floods in the same areas.
Premier Crisafulli urged residents to prioritize safety over possessions, stating, "In the end, houses and cars and furniture, that can all be replaced. Your family can't."
The flooding has led to road closures between Townsville and Cairns, hindering rescue operations and supply deliveries. Additionally, Townsville airport closure, food shortages in supermarkets, widespread power outages, including in Ingham and Palm Island, have compounded the challenges.
Authorities are warning locals to remain vigilant for crocodiles displaced by floodwaters, with north Queensland being susceptible to severe weather events due to its tropical location. Climate scientists attribute the escalation of extreme rainfall events to warmer oceans and a warming planet.