Australia maps flood damages as tropical cyclone Jasper landfalls in Queensland

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

The residents in Australia’s northeast are grappling with the aftermath of former Tropical Cyclone Jasper, which made landfall last week as a category 2 storm in Queensland. Downgraded to a tropical low, Jasper lingered, unleashing extensive rain over four days, leading to severe flooding, cutting off towns, and causing widespread damages to homes, roads, and farms.

The slow-moving system prompted a major rescue operation, with military personnel assisting emergency crews in evacuations and relief efforts. As rivers continued to pose dangers, authorities intensified search and rescue operations, particularly for an 85-year-old man missing in floodwaters.

Cairns Airport, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, is set to resume flights as the region begins recovery efforts. Federal Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt emphasized the extensive property damage, anticipating a substantial repair bill for the affected areas.

The Insurance Council of Australia acknowledged the potential for the flooding to be declared an insurance catastrophe, contingent on a surge in claims. However, it remained too early to gauge the full impact of the disaster.

Television footage depicted residents navigating through homes strewn with debris and sludge as waters receded in some towns during a brief respite in rainfall. The focus has shifted to recovery work, with a concerted effort to assess damages and provide assistance to those affected.

In the flooded remote Indigenous town of Wujal Wujal, home to around 300 residents, evacuation efforts are underway. Some residents reportedly waded through crocodile-infested waters to reach higher ground, highlighting the challenging conditions faced by those affected.

Additionally, a 2.8-meter-long crocodile was captured in a storm drain in Ingham, a town of about 5,000. While crocodile sightings are more common in rural areas, this incident adds to the complexity of the recovery operation.

The resilience of affected communities is being tested as they grapple with the aftermath of this natural disaster. The images of debris-strewn homes and ongoing rescue efforts underscore the challenges faced by residents in the region. As the recovery process unfolds, the true extent of the damages and the costs involved will become clearer, requiring sustained efforts and resources to rebuild and support those affected by Tropical Cyclone Jasper’s impact on Queensland.

_{Source: Reuters}

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