Families Braving Rooftop Ordeal as Northern Australia Grapples with Torrential Rain and Flooding
Families trapped on rooftops overnight as heavy rain and flooding ravage northern Australia, with more downpours expected, worsening rescue operations
The heaviest rain in decades in northern Australia has caused floodwaters, leaving several families stranded on rooftops. Weather forecasters are predicting more heavy rain on Monday, which is expected to further hinder rescue efforts. The city of Cairns, a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef with a population of over 150,000, has been largely cut off due to heavy rains brought by the remnants of Tropical Cyclone Jasper, which made landfall last week and stalled over Queensland, according to authorities.
Queensland Premier Steven Miles reported on Monday that there are individuals who have been stuck on roofs all night.
He stated that nine people, including a child, were stranded on the roof of a hospital located approximately 170 kilometers (105 miles) north of Cairns.
"We are unable to send aerial support due to the low cloud cover and heavy rain," he added. "We have rescue teams on standby, ready to take action once it's safe to do so."
A car inundated with water near the Barron River in Cairns, Australia, on Decebmer 16, 2023.
Joshua Prieto/AAP/AP
Around Cairns, approximately 300 people were rescued on Sunday, as reported by the Queensland state emergency service on Monday. No deaths or injuries have been reported, according to authorities. Cairns experienced heavy rainfall, recording over 300 millimeters (about 11.81 inches) in six hours and more than 650 millimeters (about 25.6 inches) in 19 hours, according to Miles.
Images of the city revealed roads completely covered in dirty water, with many of them in a damaged or collapsed state. A photo from CNN affiliate Nine News depicted a passenger plane partially submerged, leading to the closure of Cairns Airport and the cancellation of all flights over the weekend.
Approximately 15,000 residents were left without power due to the rain, according to Miles. He mentioned that there were "hundreds" of personnel on the ground, including those from the police, military, and energy providers. However, he noted that the biggest issue at the moment is the continuous rainfall.
He also cautioned about the looming water shortages in Cairns, prompting the local council to advise residents to use water only for emergency purposes. Once the stranded individuals have been rescued, the authorities will need to address the challenges of accessing potable water, sewage systems, power and telecommunications, and clearing obstructed roads, he added.
Fallen trees in a suburb in Cairns, Australia, on December 16, 2023 after heavy rains.
Joshua Prieto/AAP/AP
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) issued major flood warnings on Monday morning for several rivers in Far North Queensland. Forecasted rainfall of 300 millimeters every six hours between Hope Vale and Port Douglas raised concerns for flash flooding, prompting BOM Senior Meteorologist Laura Boeke to warn of potentially life-threatening and dangerous conditions in the region.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese vowed full military support for disaster relief efforts, informing the public broadcaster ABC on Monday that defense personnel are on standby. He also mentioned that the government has offered financial aid to residents who have been directly affected. "Tragically, the forecast is calling for more rain today and major flood warnings remain in place for communities that are already isolated or without power," added Albanese.
