In the Australian state of Queensland it has been raining for days. The floods have already claimed lives.
Brisbane – At least five people have died in severe flooding in north-east Australia that lasted for days. It is feared that the number in the affected south-east of Queensland could increase further, Australian media reported.
The region has been hit by severe thunderstorms for several days, triggered by a slow-moving low pressure area.
Authorities had urged hundreds of residents in the region near the town of Gympie to flee to safety as the level of a nearby river rose rapidly. Some places are cut off from the outside world by the water masses. On Saturday, authorities warned of more dangerous thunderstorms with possible “heavy rain and life-threatening flooding.”
According to media reports, some suburbs of the metropolis Brisbane were also partially under water on Saturday. In the affected areas, train traffic was temporarily suspended. For this Sunday, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner warned that floodwaters could seep into thousands of properties along the Brisbane River. He called on affected residents in low-lying areas of Brisbane and the surrounding area to stock up on sandbags and essential supplies and be ready for a possible evacuation. dpa
