Severe Floods Devastate Northeastern Australia, Townsville Declared "Black Zone"

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Fast-moving floods in northeastern Australia have led to widespread devastation, prompting emergency evacuations and power outages. As of Monday, February 3, 2025, over a meter of rain has fallen in parts of Queensland, flooding homes and businesses and cutting off rural communities. David Crisafulli, the state's premier, warned of more severe weather, stating, "We remain prepared for the ongoing prospect of more rain and the likelihood of more flooding."

In Townsville, a popular tourist destination near the Great Barrier Reef, authorities have designated flood-hit areas as "black zones," advising residents to remain safe. Approximately 2,100 residents were ordered to evacuate, although about 10 percent chose to stay. Tragically, one woman in her sixties lost her life in the floods when her rescue boat capsized. Meanwhile, the flooding has severed a section of a key bridge, isolating communities and disrupting essential services.

As of now, nearly 11,000 properties remain without power in northern Queensland, with no timeline for restoration. Townsville's acting mayor, Ann-Maree Greaney, indicated that the peak of flooding is expected on Tuesday morning, further complicating recovery efforts.

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