In recent days, northern Queensland has been devastated by torrential rain, prompting thousands to evacuate their homes as floodwaters rise to alarming levels. Tragically, the extreme weather has claimed the life of one individual, highlighting the urgent and dangerous situation unfolding within the region.

Queensland State Premier David Crisafulli has reported that certain areas have experienced over 700mm (26 inches) of rainfall in just 24 hours, with expectations of continued record-breaking deluges into Monday. According to meteorologists, this may be the worst flooding event in more than six decades, sparking grave concerns among local communities and authorities alike.

Crisafulli noted the unprecedented nature of the current weather conditions, stating, "It's not just the intensity, but it's also the longevity of it." As the deluge continues, residents of Townsville were advised to evacuate by midday on Sunday, and emergency services strategically deployed 100,000 sandbags to mitigate the encroaching floodwaters.

Access to some areas has been severely impeded, as floodwaters have isolated parts of the road connecting Townsville and Cairns, hindering rescue operations and the distribution of essential resources. The situation remains dire as communities grapple with both immediate and long-term impacts of this historic flooding event.