Devastating Floods Force Evacuations in Northern Queensland

Thousands evacuate as authorities warn of further dangers amidst the heaviest rainfall in decades.

Authorities in northern Queensland are grappling with severe flooding caused by relentless rainfall, leading to one death and the evacuation of thousands from their homes. The precipitation has exceeded 1,000 millimeters (39 inches) since Friday, with forecasts indicating that record-breaking rainfall will persist, as warned by Queensland State Premier David Crisafulli.

Crisafulli emphasized that this flooding represents a situation "unlike anything northern Queensland has experienced for a long time," citing both the intensity and longevity of the rain. Tragically, a woman died while being rescued by a State Emergency Service dinghy that capsized after colliding with a tree in Ingham. Other passengers on the boat were able to escape unharmed.

In Cardwell, a town located midway between Cairns and Townsville, emergency services effecting dramatic rescues have been observed. Rescue videos have surfaced showing stranded individuals clinging to poles and relying on local heroes for help after losing vehicles to the floodwaters. The Townsville Local Disaster Management Group predicts that as many as 1,700 homes could be overwhelmed, with flood levels projecting to reach the second floor in some properties.

Authorities have mandated evacuations across six suburbs of Townsville, yet reports suggest that approximately 10% of residents chose to remain behind. Residents are being urged to comply with evacuation orders, as Premier Crisafulli warned: “In the end, houses and cars and furniture, that can all be replaced. Your family can't.”

Many residents, driven by concern from previous flooding incidents in 2019, like Andrew Cox and his partner, took action early, heeding warnings to save their loved ones. The police have been actively advising homeowners of possible evacuations while new evacuation centers are being set up as current facilities reach their limits.

Rescue efforts are complicated by the closure of roads connecting Townsville to Cairns, limiting access for emergency services. Townsville airport is also closed as the region grapples with shortages of grocery supplies and widespread power outages affecting several communities, including Ingham and Palm Island.

This area, located in the tropics, frequently faces severe weather, including cyclones and torrential rains. Climate scientists note that an increase in ocean temperatures coupled with a warming planet is intensifying such extreme weather events. Local residents are also warned to be on the lookout for crocodiles in floodwaters, venturing away from their usual habitats in search of higher ground.