Unprecedented rainfall levels in north Queensland have led to “life-threatening” flooding, prompting the closure of Cairns airport, according to Australian authorities. The northeastern city of Cairns, renowned as a tourist hotspot and gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, is grappling with severe flooding exacerbated by a recent tropical cyclone. Emergency services report highways submerged and trees uprooted, with meteorologist Laura Boekel warning of potential additional rainfall of 500 millimeters in the next 24 hours.
A 10-year-old girl is in critical condition after being struck by lightning in south Queensland amid the tumultuous weather on Saturday. Meteorologist Laura Boekel highlighted that certain areas of Queensland experienced over 600 millimeters of rain in the past 24 hours, emphasizing the rapid and perilous nature of flash flooding.
Queensland Premier Steven Miles declared a weather emergency, stating, “I have been speaking with people on the ground, who say they have never seen rainfall like this — people who have lived in the state’s far north for all their lives.” Flood warnings have been issued for several areas as the region faces an unfolding weather crisis.
