The floodwaters led to crucial sections of the Bruce Highway giving way, a key route connecting Brisbane to regional areas, effectively extending travel distances for essential deliveries by up to 700 kilometers (434 miles). The Queensland Trucking Association expressed concerns about the logistics of delivering vital supplies as some areas remain isolated.
The floods have claimed at least one life, a 63-year-old woman in Ingham, during a rescue attempt amid the chaos. In response, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli extended condolences to affected families and emphasized the risk of returning home for those in severely impacted locales, especially in the "black-zone" areas close to the overflowing Ross River.
Authorities have reported that the region experienced an enormous amount of rainfall in a short span, with local disaster management groups forecasting that up to 2,000 homes may be at risk of flooding, some potentially reaching the second floor. Major flood warnings persist for numerous rivers in the area.
Emergency services have been tirelessly responding to the crisis, registering 480 calls for assistance overnight and conducting several swift water rescues amidst widespread power outages. The State Emergency Service (SES) Deputy Commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant, check on neighbors, and utilize available evacuation centers, which are currently housing around 400 individuals.
As north Queensland grapples with the aftermath and the ongoing threat of severe weather, experts emphasize that climate change is likely exacerbating the frequency and intensity of such extreme rainfall events. Meteorologists warn that these floods could represent the most severe flooding the region has faced in over six decades.
The floods have claimed at least one life, a 63-year-old woman in Ingham, during a rescue attempt amid the chaos. In response, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli extended condolences to affected families and emphasized the risk of returning home for those in severely impacted locales, especially in the "black-zone" areas close to the overflowing Ross River.
Authorities have reported that the region experienced an enormous amount of rainfall in a short span, with local disaster management groups forecasting that up to 2,000 homes may be at risk of flooding, some potentially reaching the second floor. Major flood warnings persist for numerous rivers in the area.
Emergency services have been tirelessly responding to the crisis, registering 480 calls for assistance overnight and conducting several swift water rescues amidst widespread power outages. The State Emergency Service (SES) Deputy Commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant, check on neighbors, and utilize available evacuation centers, which are currently housing around 400 individuals.
As north Queensland grapples with the aftermath and the ongoing threat of severe weather, experts emphasize that climate change is likely exacerbating the frequency and intensity of such extreme rainfall events. Meteorologists warn that these floods could represent the most severe flooding the region has faced in over six decades.
