Flooding Submerges Queensland Following Extremely High Rainfall

Authorities in the Australian state of Queensland have reported dangerous flooding caused by near-record levels of rainfall. Thousands of people in the northern part of the state have been advised to evacuate to higher ground. In the city of Cairns, major flooding has been reported in suburbs and the airport has been closed. Meteorologists have stated that some areas received over 600mm of rain in the past 24 hours, with an additional 500mm expected. These rainfall levels are predicted to surpass records set in the 1970s. The situation has been described as very serious by Queensland State Premier Steven Miles, who also mentioned that approximately 10,500 people are currently without power. Local authorities in Cairns have reported that homes, buildings, roads, and bridges have been affected by flooding, leading to several flood warnings being issued. Although no deaths or missing persons have been reported, a 10-year-old girl is in critical condition after being struck by lightning in Cairns. Multiple evacuations and rescues have taken place, and emergency centers have been set up. While there is hope that the rainfall will decrease, experts have informed that a weather system causing this flooding has stalled but may move further inland overnight. This severe weather event is occurring amid an El Nino weather pattern in Australia, linked to extreme occurrences like wildfires and cyclones. Eastern Australia has experienced frequent flooding in recent years.