Title: Northern Australia Grapples with Severe Flooding as Tropical Cyclone Jasper Wreaks Havoc
Cairns, Australia – Heavy rainfall resulting from Tropical Cyclone Jasper has wreaked havoc in Northern Australia, causing widespread flooding and leaving families stranded on rooftops overnight. As the city of Cairns, home to over 150,000 people, grapples with the aftermath of the deluge, several alarming situations have unfolded.
Approximately 300 millimeters of rain fell within a mere six hours, with a staggering 650 millimeters recorded over 19 hours in Cairns alone. The relentless downpour has led to the submersion, damage, or collapse of the city’s roadways, rendering them impassable. Furthermore, the airport has temporarily shuttered its doors, with all flights canceled, leaving residents isolated.
The heavy floods have not spared the city’s power supply, leaving roughly 15,000 residents without electricity. As meteorologists forecast continued rainfall, authorities are cautioning residents about dire water shortages and urging them to conserve water strictly for emergency use.
The harrowing nature of the situation was highlighted when nine individuals, including a child, were left stranded on the rooftop of a hospital located approximately 170 kilometers north of Cairns. Unfortunately, rescue operations have been severely hampered by low cloud cover and the incessant downpour, rendering aerial support impossible.
Nevertheless, commendable efforts have resulted in the rescue of approximately 300 people in and around Cairns. However, with the persistent rainfall, the current situation remains treacherous, and the risk of flash flooding looms over the region. Several major flood warnings have been issued for Far North Queensland’s rivers, further exacerbating the emergency response challenges faced by authorities.
Faced with the severity of the situation, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged both military support for disaster relief efforts and financial aid for affected residents. This timely commitment aims to ensure that relief operations swiftly commence to rehabilitate the affected areas and assist those with urgent needs.
Meanwhile, the danger posed by wildlife venturing into floodwaters came to the fore when emergency personnel safely captured a 2.5-meter saltwater crocodile from a flooded creek near a public park. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the hazards faced by individuals during such emergencies.
As Northern Australia grapples with the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Jasper, updates on the situation will continue to emerge. Jala News remains dedicated to providing the latest information to keep readers informed and ensure their safety during this challenging period.
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