Heavy rainfall continues to pummel North Queensland, triggering major flood warnings and devastating consequences for residents. The severe weather event has claimed at least one life, prompting emergency services to mobilize and community efforts to support those affected.
According to Queensland Premier David Crisafulli, the floods are unprecedented, declaring tragic news has emerged from the town of 1, where emergency services faced dire conditions. A woman tragically died early on Sunday morning when her rescue boat struck a tree and overturned during efforts to reach people stranded by the rapidly rising floodwaters. "Tragic news coming out of the tight-knit community today with the loss of one of their own," Crisafulli stated on social media, expressing condolences to the victim’s family and friends.
The crisis escalated over the weekend, as rainfall totals soared above 700mm for some regions around Townsville and Cardwell. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has warned of continuous heavy rainfall, with isolated areas forecasting up to 500mm within 24 hours. "It’s some of the worst inundation we've seen," reported Ergon Energy, highlighting the extent of flooding across the region.
Many towns have been left cut off from supplies as floodwaters surged, leading to the closure of major roads like the Bruce Highway. One remarkable act of community spirit came from Coles duty manager Marcia Glindermann, who took the initiative to use a boat to navigate the treacherous waters to retrieve necessary supplies for residents sheltered at evacuation centers. Crisafulli praised her efforts, saying, "That’s community spirit alive and kicking. There will be challenges, there’s no doubt about it, and there will be supply issues for sure. There always is." Photos captured her heroics as she fought against the floodwaters, showing the community's resilience during this emergency.
Notably, multiple evacuation warnings were issued as authorities urged residents of low-lying areas to move to higher ground. The Cassowary Coast Regional Council issued alerts at midnight, stating, "Cardwell residents are advised flooding is occurring in low-lying areas and may spread." Residents were instructed to prepare evacuation kits and seek safe locations away from the rising waters.
Emergency responders reported nearly 400 calls for help since early Sunday morning, with 11 water rescues executed overnight. The calls have predominantly stemmed from roof damages due to leaking ceilings and inundated homes, spotlighting the significant impact of this weather event on local infrastructure.
Prime Minister Jenny McAllister announced disaster assistance for affected communities, indicating personal hardship assistance funds would be made available for those most deeply affected. The state has activated emergency hardship payment support, offering $180 per individual and up to $900 for families of five or more to assist with immediate essentials.
The current flooding crisis is reminiscent of the historic floods of 1967, which also affected the area severely. Crisafulli reflected on the similarities, calling the event "a once-in-a-century occasion" for the community. The government aims to provide not just immediate relief but also to strategize long-term recovery efforts as damages accumulate. The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) designated this incident as a "significant event," aiming to expedite support for impacted residents.
Underlying these floods are atmospheric conditions linked closely with climate change. Research shows extreme rainfall events have increased, with rising ocean temperatures contributing to more intense rainfall patterns. Meteorologist Dean Narramore pointed out the changing climate perspectives saying, "The volume and intensity of this weather have already caused damage across parts of northern Queensland, which has been exacerbated by global warming trends. The conditions allow deep monsoon lows, like the current one, to become stationary and unleashed torrential rainfall on the region."
Going forward, community members are urged to remain vigilant and monitor updates from the BoM as the forecast predicts extended and heavy rainfall continuing throughout the week. Residents should be alert to future evacuation needs and participate actively in local emergency protocols to safeguard lives during this significant weather event.