North Queensland has been severely affected by heavy rainfall, with some areas receiving up to 300mm, resulting in significant flash flooding that has swamped roads and damaged homes. Townsville has borne the brunt of the downpour, leading to road closures, inundated properties, and numerous vehicles being ruined. An elderly resident was rescued by neighbours after falling into the floodwaters, as many locals were caught off guard by the sudden storm.
The flooding has impacted various locations, including shopping centre car parks and vital access routes, necessitating the closure of schools. Ingham also faced similar flooding challenges, with two elderly women requiring assistance after becoming stranded in their vehicles.
Queensland Police reported that the State Emergency Service (SES) responded to multiple incidents related to flooding. Worries have arisen over melioidosis, a serious bacterial infection linked to contaminated floodwaters, particularly as Queensland Health documented a rise in cases recently, mainly in Cairns and Townsville.
Although the immediate rainfall has lessened, the threat of flooding remains, particularly along the Bohle River, which is under a major flood warning. The Bureau of Meteorology indicated that while conditions might still be wet in the coming days, they will likely not be as severe or widespread as today’s deluge.