Severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall in northern Queensland, Australia, has claimed at least one life and forced thousands of residents to evacuate their homes. Authorities have warned that floodwaters could rise to the second floor of buildings, urging residents to take precautions. The sudden flooding has been described as dangerous and life-threatening.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli stated that some parts of North Queensland received up to 700 millimeters of rainfall in the past 24 hours. He also warned that this record-breaking rainfall could continue on Monday.
Meteorologists have indicated that this could be the worst flooding in the region in over 60 years due to the continuous heavy downpour. Crisafulli noted that North Queensland has not faced such severe flooding for a long time.
According to Australian broadcaster ABC, the region is experiencing not just heavy rainfall but prolonged intense downpours. Thousands of residents in the city of Townsville have been advised to evacuate their homes by Sunday afternoon. In response, authorities have distributed 100,000 sandbags in an effort to contain the floodwaters.
Parts of the road between the tourist hubs of Townsville and Cairns have been cut off, making it difficult for rescue teams and sandbag deliveries to reach the affected areas.