AUSTRALIA FLOODS: HUNDREDS EVACUATED, CROCODILES SEEN AFTER RECORD RAIN

In northeastern Australia, severe flooding closed off villages and sent people to the rooftops in an attempt to escape the rising waters, forcing hundreds of people to be evacuated.

Military helicopters were sent to help communities cut off by the floodwaters, and more than 300 people were rescued in the state of Queensland overnight, officials said on Monday.

Local officials said the town had received about 600mm of rain over 40 hours through early Monday morning, more than three times the December average.

All flights into and out of Cairns Airport, where plans have been partially submerged by floodwaters, were cancelled or postponed on Monday.

All flights into and out of Cairns Airport, where plans have been partially submerged by floodwaters, were cancelled or postponed on Monday. #QueenslandFloods pic.twitter.com/eYzceZrHpM

— INDEPENDENT PRESS (@IpIndependent) December 18, 2023

More than 14,000 properties across the region are without power, according to authorities.

In Wujal Wujal, a rural community in the Cape York region, nine people, including a seven-year-old boy, sought shelter on the roof of a hospital.

Crocodiles have been spotted swimming in floodwaters in several rural areas, including Wujal Wujal and Ingham.

A Flooding disaster is currently unfolding in Queensland's far north. pic.twitter.com/WivP5EwLa3

— INDEPENDENT PRESS (@IpIndependent) December 18, 2023

The flooding follows heavy rains and strong winds brought on by Tropical Cyclone Jasper, which made landfall in Australia last week.

Queensland state Premier Steven Miles said the flooding was the worst natural disaster he had ever seen in the state.

Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick has warned that the disaster will have a “billion-dollar impact” on the state.

The state’s health officer, Dr John Gerrard, 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.

“If you’re involved in the cleanup that is to come, wear water resistant or enclosed footwear,” Gerrard said. “Wash your hands with soap and water or hand sanitiser. Cover cuts, abrasions and wounds with a water-resistant dressing.”

Weather officials have forecast more rain on Monday as Jasper is expected to linger over the region.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that the Australian military had been put on standby for rescue and relief efforts.

Dozens of December daily rainfall records have been broken in the far north including in Cairns, which received the most rain since 1964, and Cooktown, which had the heaviest falls since 1907.

There was also a record flood peak of about 15m at the Daintree River while the Barron River was at its highest since 1977.