Torrential rain has wreaked havoc in northern Queensland, Australia, leading to significant flooding and forcing thousands to evacuate their homes. The extreme weather has already claimed the life of one woman and has prompted authorities to issue dire warnings about the dangers associated with rising floodwaters.
In the past 24 hours, some areas have recorded over 700mm (26 inches) of rain, with Queensland State Premier David Crisafulli expressing concerns about what he described as "record rainfalls" that are expected to persist into the coming days. This rainfall could lead to unprecedented flooding described as potentially the worst the region has faced in over 60 years.
Crisafulli highlighted the unusual severity and duration of the weather events, asserting it is unlike anything northern Queensland has seen recently. As a precaution, locals in towns like Townsville were ordered to evacuate by midday on Sunday. To combat rising waters, authorities distributed 100,000 sandbags.
Efforts to deliver aid, including sandbags and emergency response teams, have been hindered by damaged roads, particularly the route between Townsville and the popular tourist destination of Cairns. As the situation evolves, officials continue to monitor the flood conditions while urging residents to prioritize safety.
