One dead in Australia floods as authorities order evacuation
A frame grab from handout video footage released on December 20, 2023 by the Queensland Police Service shows trees pushed up against a damaged bridge on the Mulligan Highway near the northern Australian town of Cooktown, after heavy rainfall caused major flash flooding. FILE PHOTO/Agence France-Presse
SYDNEY — One woman died in Australia Sunday as authorities ordered residents in the country’s flood-ravaged northeast to evacuate and be on the lookout for crocodiles as river levels approach historic highs.
Authorities in the Australian state of Queensland said parts of the state received more than 600 millimeters (24 inches) in 24 hours.
With heavy rains continuing, residents in flood-prone areas of Townsville were told to evacuate their homes by midday Sunday.
READ: Relentless rains wreak havoc across Australia’s east
Rising floodwaters forced the closure of the local airport and Townsville University Hospital to delay elective surgeries.
The state’s premier David Crisafulli warned Sunday more rain was forecast which could result in “record rainfalls”.
The weather conditions were unlike anything the state had experienced “for a long time”, Crisafulli said.
“It’s not just the intensity, but it’s also the longevity of it,” he told the ABC national broadcaster earlier on Sunday.
READ: Extreme fire danger grips Australia’s southeast amid heatwave
According to police a woman died Sunday after the boat she was in capsized in the rural town of Ingham, around 230 kilometers (142 miles) from Cairns.
“Take the precautions, prepare for the worst, listen to the advice — please don’t discount this,” Crisafulli said.
The environment department has warned people to be on the watch for crocodiles that may move about in “search of calmer waters”.
“Expect crocodiles in all north and far north Queensland waterways even if there is no warning sign,” it said a statement cited by local media.
The heavy rain will continue in the coming 24 hours, with the Bureau of Meteorology warning some areas will receive 450 millimeters (18 inches) of rainfall.
