Devastating Floods Engulf Northeastern Australia, Prompting Massive Rescues and Evacuations

Record-breaking rains in northeastern Australia have caused mass flooding, power outages, and forced the evacuation of at least one town. Ex-tropical Cyclone Jasper dumped over 3 feet of rain in northern Queensland, breaking century-old rainfall records. The city of Cairns has been severely affected, with nearly 300 rescues conducted by boats due to unsafe aerial conditions. The evacuation of Wujal Wujal's residents has been postponed due to ongoing dangerous flooding. Major flood warnings are still in place for several rivers, and health agencies are warning of the risk of disease from contaminated floodwater.