Canberra [Australia]: One person has died, and thousands have been urged to evacuate after severe flash floods inundated Australia’s northeast, CNN reported.
Since Friday, heavy rains have battered large parts of the North Queensland coast, severely affecting Ingham and Townsville. Authorities have ordered immediate evacuations for residents in low-lying coastal areas.
Tragic Loss in Ingham
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli confirmed that a woman lost her life in Ingham on Sunday after a rescue boat capsized upon hitting a tree. The woman was among six people onboard; the remaining five were successfully rescued, according to Nine News.
“That’s a really tight-knit community, our thoughts and prayers are with the family,” Crisafulli said.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the incident as “heartbreaking news” and assured full federal support for flood relief efforts.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Albanese wrote:
“Heartbreaking news out of Queensland today, with police confirming a woman has died in floodwaters in Ingham. My thoughts are with the family and the entire community at this awful time. The full support of the Queensland and Federal Governments is being deployed to assist with these floods. I have spoken with Premier Crisafulli and reiterated we will supply whatever resources are required to deal with this event.”
Emergency Warnings and Evacuations
Authorities have issued an emergency alert for Bluewater, a suburb of Townsville, warning residents that their “lives may be at risk.”
The Townsville Local Disaster Management Group stated:
“Water is rising fast, and there will be dangerous and life-threatening flooding. If you do not leave, it may become too dangerous for emergency services to rescue you.”
Residents in Townsville’s “black zone,” the area most at risk, were instructed to evacuate by midday Sunday. Evacuation centers have been set up to accommodate those displaced by the floods.
Crocodile Warning Amid Floodwaters
Queensland’s Department of Environment, Science, and Innovation has also issued a crocodile warning, cautioning residents that floodwaters could bring the reptiles into unexpected areas.
“During flooding, crocodiles can turn up in places they haven’t been seen before as they move about in search of calmer waters,” the department stated.
“Expect crocodiles in all north and far north Queensland waterways even if there is no warning sign.”
As the crisis unfolds, emergency services remain on high alert, working to safeguard affected communities and minimize further devastation.