Military has been called in for assistance as heavy rain batters northern Australia. Flood waters from ex-tropical cyclone Jasper have cut off towns, leaving many residents stranded on rooftops of their homes without access to power, food or drinking water in Queensland. Even crocodiles were seen swimming through the inundated streets gripping fear among residents.
After receiving more than two metres of rainfall in less than a week, mayors in the region called for military aid.
Railway and air services were hit due to the heavy rain. The Queensland tourist centre of Cairns, which has about 1,50,000 residents and is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, has been told to use water for emergency purposes only as the water treatment plant got damaged.
Queensland’s premier, Steven Miles, has urged people to be wary of crocodiles swimming through local streets. “We have seen incredible acts of bravery continuing today, with families saved from roof tops and locals lending a hand to look after their neighbours,” Miles said. “We’ve had reports of people using mustering choppers and fishing boats to rescue strangers,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dr John Gerrard, state's health officer, warned that contaminated flood waters could lead to bacterial diseases including leptospirosis, which can bring fever, severe headache, sore muscles, chills, vomiting, and red eyes.
Evacuation mission was launched by the authorities for rescuing those trapped in regions including the indigenous community of Wujal Wujal. The second evacuation mission will be launched on Tuesday morning with the assistance from the Australian Defence Force.
According to Queensland's police commissioner, Katarina Carroll, no deaths or serious injuries have been reported so far due to the floods.
The federal emergency management minister, Murray Watt said “It wouldn’t surprise me at all if we do end up seeing support from New Zealand and if there is a need for their assistance I’m sure we’ll be pleased to take it up,” Watt said on Monday.
