Sections of a key Australian highway, the Bruce Highway, have partially collapsed as Queensland grapples with worsening flood conditions. Torrential downpours have resulted in over 1.3 meters (approximately 4.2 feet) of rain in some areas since the weekend, attracting attention from local authorities and prompting emergency responses. The flooding has tragically claimed a life so far, specifically a 63-year-old woman who died during a rescue attempt in Ingham, one of the worst-hit communities.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently shared on X about the resilience of Australians during this disaster, emphasizing the community spirit as people come together to help one another despite ongoing flood threats. The Bureau of Meteorology reported that the region received the equivalent of six months’ worth of rainfall in just three days, causing rivers and dams to overflow, with predictions suggesting that around 2,000 homes could be inundated.
In response to the disaster, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli expressed condolences to the affected families and emphasized the need for residents in “black-zone” flood areas, including six suburbs of Townsville, to refrain from returning home. The swollen waterways have made rescue operations difficult, with parts of the Bruce Highway—vital for connecting Brisbane with regional centers—compromised.
The Queensland Trucking Association indicated that the highway's damage might lead to an additional 700 kilometers (about 434 miles) of travel for essential supplies, thereby delaying deliveries. Emergency services have reported numerous incidents requiring assistance, with the SES receiving nearly 500 calls for help overnight, and conducting over a dozen swift water rescues.
With power outages impacting communication, many residents are unable to call for aid. Current flood warnings remain active for various waterways, and authorities are reminding residents to check on their neighbors and remain vigilant as weather conditions gradually show signs of easing, though flooding is expected to persist in the near future.
