December 21, 2024

Global

Emergency Flood and Fire Warnings Issued Across Northeast and Southeast Australia

Kaumimarg Bureau / IANS | December 19, 2024 06:21 PM

Authorities in Queensland, Australia, have issued emergency flood warnings for communities along Jandowae Creek and the South Burnett region, urging residents in low-lying areas to evacuate. Heavy rainfall has caused flash flooding, leaving over 2, 000 properties without power, though most have since been restored.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has placed 12 flood warnings across Queensland, including a major warning for the Logan River near Brisbane. The Wivenhoe Dam, which reached 90% capacity, began water releases, marking its first discharge since severe flooding in 2022.

Meanwhile, southeast Australia, including Victoria and South Australia, is grappling with severe heat, prompting fire bans and emergency warnings. Temperatures exceeding 40°C and dry lightning storms have heightened fire risks, particularly in Victoria’s west, where conditions are expected to be challenging for firefighting efforts.

Meteorologists predict easing flood conditions in southeast Queensland by Thursday, though storms may shift to northern and western regions.

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