Devastating Impact and Slow Recovery in the Wake of Historic Rainfall and Infrastructure Damage

Homes, Businesses, and Farms Inundated

Queensland is facing a slow and challenging recovery after historic floods ravaged the state, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming the lives of two women.

The body of an 82-year-old woman was found on Tuesday near Ingham, adding to the tragedy of a 63-year-old woman who died on Sunday when her rescue boat capsized.

While floodwaters are receding, the extent of the damage is staggering. Homes, businesses, and farms in towns like Ingham and Cardwell are inundated, with the full extent of the devastation still unclear.

The floods, triggered by nearly two meters of rainfall since Saturday, forced thousands to flee and submerged critical infrastructure. The Bruce Highway, Queensland's main transport route, partially collapsed, further hindering relief efforts.

Despite the improving weather, over 8,000 properties remain without power, and damaged roads are making it difficult to reach isolated communities. The government is working with the army to deliver power generators to those in need.

Many evacuated residents are returning home, but the trauma of the floods lingers. Jo Berry, a Townsville resident, recalls the 2019 floods and the sleepless nights spent monitoring rainfall. "People talk about PTSD when it rains here, and I totally understand," she said.

Further north, floodwaters have cut off some towns, and the Herbert River, which peaked at the same height as in 1967, is only now beginning to drop. The partial collapse of the Bruce Highway continues to pose a significant challenge, adding hundreds of kilometers to transport routes and delaying essential supplies.

Authorities warn of the threat of further heavy rain, which could cause renewed rises in river levels. The Bureau of Meteorology's Dean Narramore expressed concern, stating, "We're likely to continue to see these rivers rise or stay at the major flood level through to Tuesday."

The floods highlight the increasing frequency of extreme weather events due to the climate crisis. Professor Scott Heron, a climate scientist at James Cook University, emphasizes the need to consider climate impacts in recovery and rebuilding efforts. "It would be wasting public money to ignore that," he said.

As Queensland begins the long road to recovery, the devastating impact of the floods serves as a stark reminder of the urgency to address climate change and mitigate its consequences.