In northern Australia, hundreds have been evacuated due to flooding

In northeastern Australia, severe flooding closed off villages and sent people to the rooftops in an attempt to escape the rising waters, forcing hundreds of people to be evacuated. Military helicopters were sent to help communities cut off by the floodwaters, and more than 300 people were rescued in the state of Queensland overnight, officials said on Monday. Cairns, a renowned tourist destination and gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, is facing near-complete isolation due to severe flooding, raising concerns about the potential lack of access to clean drinking water for its 160,000 residents.

Local authorities reported that the town experienced an unprecedented 600mm of rainfall over 40 hours leading up to early Monday morning, surpassing the December average by more than three times. Cairns Airport, partly submerged by floodwaters, had to cancel or delay all incoming and outgoing flights on Monday. The extensive flooding has also resulted in power outages affecting over 14,000 properties across the region.

In the rural community of Wujal Wujal in the Cape York region, nine individuals, including a seven-year-old boy, sought refuge on the roof of a hospital as floodwaters posed a threat. The floodwaters in various rural areas, including Wujal Wujal and Ingham, have become habitats for crocodiles, adding to the challenges faced by the affected communities.

Tropical Cyclone Jasper, which made landfall in Australia last week, was the cause of the floods, which were preceded by intense rain and wind. The floods, according to Queensland state Premier Steven Miles, were the biggest natural calamity he had ever witnessed in the region. Miles told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, "The problem is the rain won't stop and until it eases up, we can't get aerial support into remote places."

According to Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick, the catastrophe will affect the state on a "billion-dollar scale." More rain is likely on Monday, according to weather forecasters, as Jasper is predicted to stay over the area. Australian military personnel have been placed on standby for rescue and relief operations, according to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.