Sections of Queensland's major highway have succumbed to severe flooding, following a weekend of relentless rain. The situation has forced thousands of residents in Townsville, Ingham, and Cardwell to evacuate their homes, with areas experiencing over 1.3 meters (4.2 feet) of rainfall since Saturday. The heavy downpours have contributed to overflowing rivers and dams, and officials predict that the record rainfall will persist.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has praised the unity displayed by Australians in the wake of the disaster, stating that the "threat from floodwaters" will continue in the coming days. Rescue efforts in some of the hardest-hit towns are being hampered by washed-away sections of the Bruce Highway, a vital thoroughfare connecting Brisbane to regional areas which spans a considerable distance.
The Queensland Trucking Association reported that the highway collapse, including a significant bridge failure, could force drivers to take longer routes—an additional 700 kilometers (434 miles)—thus delaying essential supply deliveries. Premier David Crisafulli expressed condolences for the loss of a 63-year-old woman who died during a rescue attempt in Ingham when a State Emergency Service dinghy capsized.
He reiterated the call for residents in affected "black-zone" areas, including six suburbs of Townsville, to refrain from returning home due to the ongoing risks posed by rising waters from the nearby Ross River. Meteorologists indicated that the region has seen approximately six months’ worth of rain in just three days, with warnings stating that up to 2,000 homes could soon face flooding damage, with some potentially inundated as high as the second floor.
Despite gradually easing rainfall, significant flood warnings remain in effect for various rivers in the area, including the Hebert, Ross, Bohle, Horton, and Upper Burdekin. Emergency services are engaged in around-the-clock operations, having received 480 calls for help overnight and executing 11 swift water rescues. Many areas continue to suffer from widespread power outages, hampering efforts for residents to seek help or communicate with support services.
Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy of the SES has urged the community to remain vigilant and to check on their neighbors wherever possible. Currently, around 400 individuals have taken refuge in evacuation centers in Townsville, Ingham, and Cardwell, highlighting the significant impact of these severe weather events. Climate experts note that the current floods might be among the worst in over six decades, attributed to the growing threat of climate change contributing to increased and more intense weather events.
