Queensland floods: Towns isolated as supplies dwindle and rain eases

Severe flooding in northern Australia, triggered by ex-tropical cyclone Jasper, is starting to recede, but numerous towns remain isolated in waters inhabited by crocodiles, with diminishing supplies posing a significant challenge. Queensland has experienced extreme weather conditions, resulting in a year’s worth of rain in certain areas. Record-level river swelling has led to homes being flooded, roads and power lines being severed, and people evacuating in boats.

One individual is currently missing. In Wujal Wujal, a badly-affected town with a population of around 300, evacuation attempts have faced difficulties, and residents are dealing with shortages of food and water. Airlifts by military helicopters have been initiated, with approximately 20 people evacuated from Wujal Wujal. The closure of Cairns Airport has hampered rescue efforts, but authorities assure that rain intensity has lessened, and essential supplies, including medicine, are being urgently delivered to affected towns. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced emergency payments for those impacted and ongoing allowances for eligible individuals who have lost work due to the disaster.

While some locals express surprise at the scale of the downpour, officials note the unpredictability of the weather system. The Bureau of Meteorology’s efforts to track the disaster have been acknowledged, and the overall cost of the disaster is estimated to exceed A$1 billion. Australia has faced various climate-related challenges in recent years, raising concerns about the impact of climate change.