The recent floods in northern Queensland have left a trail of "incredible" devastation, according to state premier David Crisafulli. As weather conditions begin to improve earlier than expected, thousands of residents who evacuated their homes are anticipated to return on Tuesday; however, concerns linger over the hundreds of homes and businesses that have been severely affected. "It's a disaster that's going to test the resolve of people," Crisafulli commented to ABC, highlighting the staggering nearly 2 meters (6.5 feet) of rain that has pummeled parts of the region since Saturday, resulting in ongoing flood warnings and widespread blackouts.
Despite the bleak situation, Townsville residents awoke to lighter rainfall and minimal flooding than had been predicted. "We may have dodged a bullet," said Crisafulli, noting that earlier forecasts had estimated as many as 1,700 houses could be at risk. Nevertheless, the situation further north remains dire, as towns like Ingham and Cardwell struggle with poor communication and obstructed roadways, complicating damage assessments. "The more information that comes through, the clearer it is that there is real devastation," Crisafulli reflected, recalling his own childhood experiences in Ingham and expressing disbelief at the images showing flooded businesses in typically high areas.
Currently, more than 8,000 properties in the region are without power due to the severe weather, and damage to a crucial highway is hindering recovery efforts in some of the worst-hit areas. Crisafulli acknowledged that restoring normalcy will require "some time," as the community comes to terms with the ongoing challenges presented by the aftermath of these heavy floods.
Despite the bleak situation, Townsville residents awoke to lighter rainfall and minimal flooding than had been predicted. "We may have dodged a bullet," said Crisafulli, noting that earlier forecasts had estimated as many as 1,700 houses could be at risk. Nevertheless, the situation further north remains dire, as towns like Ingham and Cardwell struggle with poor communication and obstructed roadways, complicating damage assessments. "The more information that comes through, the clearer it is that there is real devastation," Crisafulli reflected, recalling his own childhood experiences in Ingham and expressing disbelief at the images showing flooded businesses in typically high areas.
Currently, more than 8,000 properties in the region are without power due to the severe weather, and damage to a crucial highway is hindering recovery efforts in some of the worst-hit areas. Crisafulli acknowledged that restoring normalcy will require "some time," as the community comes to terms with the ongoing challenges presented by the aftermath of these heavy floods.
