Northern Australia grapples with the aftermath of the heaviest rainfall in decades, leaving families stranded on rooftops overnight and even bringing an unexpected visitor – a crocodile – to one town. Cairns, the bustling gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, faces near-total isolation due to the lingering effects of Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
Queensland Premier Steven Miles expresses concern for those marooned on rooftops, with aerial support hindered by low clouds and relentless rain. Despite the valiant efforts of rescue teams, including hundreds of personnel from the police, military, and energy providers, challenges persist as the rain shows no signs of abating.
Cairns, pounded by over 300 millimeters of rain in six hours and 650 millimeters in 19 hours, grapples with submerged roads, collapsed infrastructure, and a surreal image of a half-submerged passenger plane at the closed Cairns Airport. Power outages affect 15,000 residents, amplifying the urgency of addressing water shortages and other essential services.
Australian Defence Force personnel are ready to help Queenslanders. pic.twitter.com/1EX9FV3uGj
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) December 18, 2023
Senetar Murray Watt also tweeted in X about the situation.
Thanks to Cairns-based ADF personnel who’ve been assisting flooded Far Nth Qlders, at request of Qld Govt. I’ve spoken with Qld Premier @StevenJMiles & ADF will also airlift extra @QldFES @QldPolice & other personnel to Cairns. The @AlboMP Govt stands by FNQ during these floods.
— Senator Murray Watt (@MurrayWatt) December 17, 2023
credit:Brent paterson/Reuters.
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology issues major flood warnings for rivers in Far North Queensland, anticipating further flash flooding. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledges full military support for disaster relief, with financial assistance extended to affected residents. However, the forecast predicts ongoing rain, compounding challenges for communities already cut off and without power.
Major flood warnings remain in effect for Far North Queensland, with the Australian Bureau of Meteorology predicting continued flash flooding. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese assured full military support for disaster relief, acknowledging the ongoing rainfall and the persistence of major flood warnings in isolated communities.
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As the region battles these unprecedented floods, the resilience of communities, combined with coordinated relief efforts, remains crucial for navigating the aftermath of this natural disaster.
