North Australia hit by heaviest rain in decades as floods leave families stranded and crocodile swept into town
Sydney, Australia (CNN) – Northern Australia has been hit by the heaviest rain in decades, causing widespread flooding and leaving families stranded on rooftops. The remnants of Tropical Cyclone Jasper made landfall last week before stalling over Queensland, bringing heavy rains that have almost entirely cut off the city of Cairns, known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
The Queensland Premier, Steven Miles, confirmed that people had been stuck on rooftops overnight and that rescue efforts were being hampered by continued deluges. “We have people stuck on roofs there that have been there all night,” Miles said on Monday. “We can’t get aerial support into them because the cloud is so low and the rain is just so heavy.”
Rescue teams have managed to save approximately 300 people in and around Cairns, with no reported deaths or injuries so far. The rain has also left about 15,000 residents without power, and authorities are warning of dire water shortages as access to drinking water, sewage systems, power, and telecommunications has been disrupted.
The floodwaters have also brought unexpected visitors, with a 2.5 meter-long saltwater crocodile being swept into a town near a public park. Rangers were able to safely remove the crocodile from the flooded creek, but authorities have warned residents to be cautious about snakes and crocodiles in the floodwaters.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged the military’s full support for disaster relief efforts and provided financial support for residents directly impacted by the floods. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has issued major flood warnings for several rivers in Far North Queensland and is predicting more potentially life-threatening flash flooding in the region.
The situation remains critical, with more rain expected to fall throughout the day, and major flood warnings in place for several communities. With the continuous deluges and challenges in rescue efforts, the impact of the heavy rain and flooding is far from over.
This story has been updated with additional information.