Townsville has experienced a staggering downpour, receiving nearly a year’s worth of rainfall in just over a week. The region recorded 1,033mm of rain in mere days, leading to catastrophic flooding and significant damage, particularly in the nearby town of Ingham. The cleanup effort is ongoing as locals try to salvage what they can amid warnings of further rain to come.
Major flood alerts persist for several rivers, including the Herbert, Haughton, Cape, and Flinders Rivers, with rising water levels causing concerns for infrastructure, like the Bruce Highway near Ayr. The Australian Defence Force has had to construct temporary bridges to aid accessibility, as numerous roads remain impassable. In Ingham, streets are cluttered with ruined belongings, underscoring the disaster’s impact.
Meteorologists predict more heavy rainfall likely throughout the week, with potential flash flooding threatening safety. Although the intensity of rain is expected to ease temporarily, isolated torrential downpours could return soon. Additionally, there is heightened scrutiny of a tropical low near the Kimberley coast, which may develop into Tropical Cyclone Zelia, putting Western Australian communities on alert for severe weather conditions.