Heavy rainfall following the passage of former Tropical Cyclone Jasper has triggered severe flooding in northeastern Australia, impacting numerous tourist-popular towns along the Great Barrier Reef. The torrential rain, equivalent to several months’ precipitation, wreaked havoc in the far north of Queensland state over the weekend, compelling residents to evacuate their homes and seek refuge on rooftops as rivers surged rapidly.
Queensland’s Premier, Steven Miles, expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “The problem is the rain won’t stop, and until it eases up, we can’t get aerial support into remote places. We see a lot of natural disasters, and this is just about the worst I can remember.” Jasper, having been downgraded to a tropical low after causing widespread destruction last week, continues to unleash its impact.
In Ingham, a town of around 5,000 people submerged by floods, conservation officials captured a 9-ft-long crocodile found in a storm drain near a gas station, as shown in media clips. While crocodile sightings are more common in rivers, lagoons, and rural swamps in north Queensland, the situation in Ingham added to the complexity of the ongoing crisis.
Cairns, the key town serving as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and home to over 150,000 residents, experienced an unprecedented deluge, receiving about 600 mm (24 inches) of rain within 40 hours through Monday—more than triple the December average of 182 mm (7.17 inches). Cairns airport was severely affected, leading to the cancellation or postponement of all flights, and images circulated on social media depicted partially submerged planes on the tarmac.
Efforts to alleviate the situation were hindered by the continuous rainfall, with water pumps struggling to keep up with the overwhelming volume of water. Richard Barker, the airport’s chief executive, noted the challenges, stating, “It’s still not keeping up with the volume of water that came in.” Residents in affected areas faced harrowing experiences, with reports of people seeking refuge on rooftops, navigating fast-flowing waters, and dodging debris to ensure their safety.
The weather forecast indicates the persistence of Jasper, with more rain expected through Monday. Some regions may receive up to 12 inches of rain within six hours, prompting major flood warnings, with river levels predicted to surpass records dating back to 1977. Over 14,000 properties in the region have lost power, adding to the challenges faced by the affected communities.
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that defense forces are on standby for potential rescue and relief efforts. Meanwhile, Australia is grappling with the dual impact of the El Nino weather phenomenon, which has brought about extremes ranging from wildfires in the southeast to tropical cyclones and prolonged droughts in the northeast. As the northeast battles severe floods, the southeast is on high bushfire alert, with temperatures expected to exceed 104 degrees Fahrenheit in some Sydney suburbs on Tuesday.