Devastating Floods Leave Families Stranded and Hundreds Evacuated in Northern Australia

Hundreds of people have been evacuated in northeastern Australia as extreme floods caused by heavy rains from Tropical Cyclone Jasper cut off towns and forced residents to seek refuge on rooftops. More than 300 people have been rescued, with military helicopters assisting in areas isolated by the floods. Cairns, a popular tourist destination, has been almost completely cut off, raising concerns about access to clean drinking water for its 160,000 residents. The region has experienced power outages, canceled flights, and sightings of crocodiles in floodwaters. Queensland state Premier Steven Miles described the flooding as the worst natural disaster he has ever seen, with a projected billion-dollar impact on the state.