Queensland Faces Record Flooding as Torrential Rains Force Evacuations

Severe weather in Northern Queensland has caused extensive flooding, leading authorities to declare a state of emergency as thousands have fled their homes. The situation is unprecedented, with record rainfall leading to rising river levels and dangerous conditions.

In Northern Queensland, torrential rains have triggered widespread flooding, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate and leaving at least one person dead. The situation has been described by Queensland State Premier David Crisafulli as “dangerous and life-threatening,” with expectations of rising waters across the region.

Since Friday, some areas have recorded over 1,000mm (39 inches) of rain, with meteorologists warning that these may turn out to be the worst floods Northern Queensland has experienced in more than six decades. Crisafulli emphasized that this flooding is notable not only due to its intensity but also its duration, indicating prolonged adverse weather conditions.

A tragic incident occurred as waters rose; a woman lost her life when the State Emergency Service (SES) dinghy she was in capsized after hitting a tree in Ingham while she was being rescued. Other occupants of the dinghy managed to escape to safety. The local authorities are currently conducting an investigation into the incident.

Rescue efforts are under way across the affected areas, as demonstrated by a report of three individuals who had to be saved from a rooftop in Cardwell, a town situated between Cairns and Townsville. Footage has surfaced of a man being rescued after his vehicle was swept away by floodwaters in Ingham, showcasing the community’s swift response to the crisis.

As the situation escalates, officials have warned that approximately 1,700 homes in Townsville could face inundation, with some residences expected to be submerged up to their second floors. Despite evacuation orders being issued to residents across several suburbs, it was noted that around 10% of people chose to remain in their homes.

Areas affected by the ongoing floods had previously suffered similar fates during the 2019 flooding. Crisafulli implored citizens to prioritize safety over property, stating, “In the end, houses and cars and furniture, that can all be replaced. Your family can't.”

With road access restricted between Townsville and Cairns, rescue teams face challenges in delivering aid and supplies. Furthermore, the Townsville airport has closed until Monday, and power outages affecting thousands of homes have been reported.

Experts link these extreme rainfall events to climate change, noting that warmer ocean temperatures are contributing to more severe and frequent weather phenomena. Residents are additionally cautioned about the presence of crocodiles in flooded areas, highlighting the risks beyond the immediate threat of flooding.