Synopsis
Thousands have been evacuated due to severe flooding in northern Australia, particularly in Queensland. Authorities warn of more flooding and emphasize the protection of lives before recovery efforts. Major infrastructure damage and power outages are reported as the region braces for additional rainfall.Key Takeaways
- Thousands evacuated from homes.
- Queensland faces ongoing flooding risks.
- Over 300 mm of rain expected.
- Emergency services overwhelmed with calls.
- Infrastructure damage hampers recovery efforts.
Sydney, Feb 3 (NationPress) Thousands of individuals have been compelled to evacuate their residences due to extensive severe flooding in northern Australia.
On Monday, authorities in the northeastern state of Queensland cautioned inhabitants of the region's tropical north to anticipate more flooding after enduring several days of heavy rainfall.
Reports from the Xinhua news agency indicate that thousands have been instructed to leave the city of Townsville, which is located over 1,000 km north of the state capital Brisbane, as well as nearby towns.
The area has experienced more than one meter of rainfall in just three days, with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting an additional 300 millimeters for Monday.
State Premier David Crisafulli stated on Monday morning that projections indicate the flooding has not yet reached its peak, urging residents along a coastal stretch exceeding 600 km between Mackay and Cairns to heed emergency alerts.
He emphasized that the priority for authorities is to safeguard lives before shifting focus to recovery operations.
The State Emergency Service (SES) reported nearly 400 assistance requests on Sunday, with about a quarter concerning water intrusion into properties.
A bridge on the Bruce Highway, a critical route linking northern Queensland to Brisbane, has collapsed just north of Townsville, isolating several towns.
The Mayor of Hinchinbrook, Ramon Jayo, remarked on Australian Broadcasting Corporation television that the bridge's collapse is a catastrophe for the town, which will likely need to depend on helicopter deliveries as it endures its most severe flooding since the 1960s.
As of Monday morning local time, approximately 10,000 properties in the vicinity were experiencing power outages, with residents advised to prepare for extended disruptions.
In Townsville, police have ramped up patrols in evacuated areas to safeguard properties against potential looting.
While the Townsville Airport resumed operations on Monday, the city remains inaccessible by road.
The federal government has dispatched Australian Defence Force helicopters to assist in monitoring the flooding.
