Key Takeaways
- A man in his 70s has died in floodwaters in northern Queensland, Australia
- Tropical Cyclone Hayley is expected to make landfall in Western Australia, bringing damaging winds and heavy rainfall
- Residents in the affected areas have been warned to seek shelter and prepare for potential flash flooding
- The cyclone season in Australia runs from November to April, with climate change potentially leading to stronger cyclones in the future
- Communities in northern Queensland are also dealing with flooding from heavy rain, with some areas recording over 796mm of rainfall in 72 hours
Introduction to the Crisis
A severe weather crisis is unfolding in Australia, with a man dying in floodwaters in the northern Queensland town of Normanton. The man, aged in his 70s, was found dead inside his submerged vehicle. This tragic incident highlights the dangers of flooding and the importance of taking necessary precautions during severe weather events. Meanwhile, on the other side of the country, residents in Western Australia are bracing for the impact of Tropical Cyclone Hayley, which is expected to make landfall on Tuesday night.
Tropical Cyclone Hayley
Tropical Cyclone Hayley is a category three storm that is approaching the coast of Western Australia. The storm is expected to bring damaging winds of up to 170 km/h and heavy rainfall, which could lead to flash flooding in the affected areas. Residents in Beagle Bay, Cockatoo Island, and Derby have been warned that it is too late to leave and should seek shelter immediately. The storm is located about 185km north-west of Broome and is heading east, with the Bureau of Meteorology predicting that it will reach the coast near Cape Leveque on Tuesday evening.
Preparations and Warnings
Residents in the affected areas have been urged to take necessary precautions, including stocking up on essentials like water, torches, and power banks. Tameka Plummer, who runs a local bakery and manages a bottle shop, said that staff are well prepared and have already taken away excess stock and pallets. Peter McCumstie, the president of Derby/West Kimberley shire, said that although Hayley is "packing a punch," the town is prepared for the cyclone season, with preparations beginning well in advance. He advised residents to ensure they have additional water supply, vehicles fueled up, and dry foods and essential items ready to use.
Impact of the Cyclone
The cyclone is expected to bring destructive winds and heavy rainfall, which could cause significant damage to infrastructure and properties. The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that damaging gales are expected, with winds likely to bring down trees and power lines. Heavy rainfall could also cause some outback roads to be closed due to flash flooding. Assistant commissioner Stuart Wade from WA’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services said that people in the emergency warning area must shelter indoors now and stay in the strongest, safest part of the building.
Flooding in Northern Queensland
On the other side of the country, communities in northern Queensland are dealing with flooding from days of heavy rain. The highest falls were recorded at South Mission Beach, which received 796mm of rainfall in 72 hours. The Queensland premier, David Crisafulli, said that the full impact of the flooding is not yet known, but the government has pre-positioned fuel and emergency services in key locations and is ready to assist. The flooding has caused significant disruption to daily life, with many residents affected by the rising waters.
Climate Change and Cyclones
The cyclone season in Australia runs from November to April, with climate change potentially leading to stronger cyclones in the future. According to Australia’s national climate risk assessment, future cyclones may be fewer but stronger due to climate change. This highlights the importance of taking necessary precautions and being prepared for severe weather events. As the world continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, it is essential to prioritize disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies to minimize the risks associated with severe weather events.
Conclusion
The severe weather crisis unfolding in Australia is a stark reminder of the dangers of flooding and cyclones. The death of a man in floodwaters in northern Queensland and the expected impact of Tropical Cyclone Hayley in Western Australia highlight the importance of taking necessary precautions and being prepared for severe weather events. As the world continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, it is essential to prioritize disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies to minimize the risks associated with severe weather events.