Australia Braces for Tropical Cyclone Jasper's Devastating Impact

Australian authorities have issued evacuation orders for thousands of people in north Queensland due to the risk of flooding caused by heavy rains. Major flooding is already occurring in some suburbs of Cairns, with water levels expected to exceed a 1971 record flood peak. The region has been hit by heavy rain from ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper, leaving tens of thousands without power and forcing evacuations. The weather system has stalled but may move west overnight, potentially easing the rain in Cairns and surrounding areas.