One person was killed in heavy flooding on Sunday in North Queensland, Australia, as authorities urged thousands of residents to evacuate to higher ground due to severe rainfall.
Officials reported significant flooding in the coastal Hinchinbrook Shire, home to around 11,000 people, situated about 500 kilometers (310 miles) north of Brisbane. Several suburbs of Townsville, a nearby city, were also affected.
The region, known for its rich zinc, silver, lead, copper, and iron ore deposits, relies on Townsville as a major processing hub for base metals. In 2019, heavy flooding disrupted the shipment of lead and zinc concentrates and caused widespread property damage.
Authorities warned residents in low-lying areas to gather evacuation kits and move to safer, higher ground, as the situation posed a risk to life and property.
The flooding resulted from intense rainfall caused by a low-pressure system rich in tropical moisture, with up to 300 mm (11.8 inches) of rain expected over 24 hours. The weather bureau noted that heavy rain and damaging winds could persist into the coming week, depending on the strength and location of the system.
In recent years, frequent flooding has affected eastern Australia, including the “once in a century” floods in the Northern Territory in January 2023 during a multi-year La NiΓ±a weather event.
