A woman has tragically lost her life as a result of severe flooding in northern Australia, prompting authorities to advise thousands of residents to seek higher ground. The state of Queensland has been battered by torrential rains over the past three days, leading to significant risks to both life and property.
The Bureau of Meteorology reports that a low-pressure system laden with tropical moisture has been the catalyst for the heavy rainfall. Ingham and Townsville have been particularly hard-hit, receiving more than 47 inches of rain, which has resulted in widespread flooding. Emergency alerts have been issued for numerous areas around Townsville, with major flood warnings in effect for several rivers along Queensland’s coast.
The flooding has left approximately 10,000 homes without power, compounding the challenges faced by residents. Ingham experienced a tragic incident on Sunday when a State Emergency Service boat capsized, resulting in the death of a woman on board. Emergency responders have conducted at least 11 water rescues overnight, and many individuals have been relocated to evacuation centers for safety.
Local authorities have urged residents in low-lying areas to prepare evacuation kits and move to safer locations. The Hinchinbrook Shire, which has a population of around 11,000, is one of the areas experiencing severe flooding. Authorities are also warning residents to remain vigilant for crocodiles that may be present in the floodwaters.
Queensland’s Minister for Emergency Services, Mr. Crisafulli, described the rainfall as resembling "monsoonal proportions," emphasizing the extraordinary nature of the deluge. He noted that some communities have received over a meter of rain in just two days, causing extensive damage to infrastructure, including bridges and businesses.
While meteorologists indicate that the rainfall is expected to ease over the next day or two, they caution that the effects of the flooding will persist. There is still a significant amount of water in the catchments, and additional rainfall could prolong the flooding situation. Matt Collopy from the Bureau of Meteorology highlighted the severity of the weather event, noting that it is unprecedented in many locations.
In recent years, Queensland has experienced frequent flooding, including catastrophic events that have devastated communities. The current flooding follows a series of severe weather incidents, including "once in a century" floods that affected neighboring regions earlier this year.
As the situation develops, authorities continue to monitor the conditions closely, prioritizing the safety and well-being of residents in the affected areas.