Heavy flooding in the Australian state of Queensland has caused one fatality and led to authorities urging thousands of residents to move to higher ground. Major flooding has been reported in Hinchinbrook Shire and suburbs in Townsville, impacting both residents and businesses in the region. North Queensland, known for its zinc reserves and minerals processing facilities, has experienced severe flooding in the past, disrupting operations and damaging properties.
Authorities have warned residents in low-lying areas to collect their evacuation kits and seek safety on higher ground due to the threat posed by the ongoing flooding. The heavy rain, triggered by a low-pressure system with tropical moisture, has resulted in up to 11.8 inches of rainfall in 24 hours. Weather forecasters predict that the intense rainfall and damaging winds may continue into the following week, depending on the strength and position of the trough and low.
This flooding is part of a pattern of increased flooding events in Australia’s east in recent years, including the devastating floods in the Northern Territory in January 2023 during a La Nina weather event. The impact of these extreme weather events underscores the need for proactive emergency management and infrastructure planning to mitigate the risks associated with climate-related disasters.
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