Record Flooding Forces Evacuations Across Northern Queensland

Thousands are fleeing as unprecedented flooding grips northern Queensland, with authorities sounding alarms about dangerous conditions.

In northern Queensland, the severe weather has turned catastrophic, prompting a mass evacuation as torrential rains lead to life-threatening flooding. Tragically, one woman has lost her life amid this natural disaster, while thousands are being instructed to abandon their homes. Recent reports indicate that over 700mm (26 inches) of rain fell in just 24 hours, raising concerns that this could escalate to record levels, as warned by Queensland State Premier David Crisafulli.

Meteorologists predict that this could be the worst flooding the region has faced in more than six decades, with the Premier describing the situation as unprecedented. "It's not just the intensity, but it's also the longevity of it," Crisafulli stated in an interview with ABC News, emphasizing the unusual conditions facing the area.

Authorities have urged residents of Townsville to evacuate by midday Sunday, and emergency services are responding with urgency, dispatching around 100,000 sandbags to mitigate the floodwaters. However, they face challenges, as major roads connecting Townsville to the popular tourist destination of Cairns have been rendered impassable. The flooding not only threatens lives but also complicates rescue efforts, putting the scale of disaster in clear view.