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04-02-2009, 02:47 PM
Crocodiles and snakes have been washed into the streets of towns in Queensland, Australia, just days after the country was hit by a major heatwave.
By Bonnie Malkin in Sydney
Last Updated: 1:51PM GMT 04 Feb 2009
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01159/portal-graphics-20_1159864a.jpg
More than 60 per cent of the region, the equivalent of around one million square kilometres, has been declared a disaster zone after heavy rains from two recent cyclones flooded 17 rivers, affecting more than 3,000 homes.
The deluge has also affected wildlife, washing crocodiles and snakes out their natural habitat and on to the streets.
Locals, already grappling with road closures, evacuations and food shortages, have been warned to watch out for rogue reptiles after one displaced crocodile, measuring more than 5ft, was reportedly hit by a car in Townsville. The animal survived the collision, suffering a few lost teeth and bruising.
Three separate reports said large crocodiles had been washed out of flooded rivers near the small cattle town of Normanton, further hampering rescue efforts, although emergency service volunteers have said they are prepared to encounter the odd "saltie".
Donna Smith, manager of the town's Albion Hotel, said a four-metre crocodile had been seen stalking residents and dogs in the flooded main street.
She also issued the grave warning that the town was expected to run out of beer in two days.
"We can put up with a lot of drama, no fruit and veggies, but nobody wants a pub with no beer," Ms Smith told Brisbane's Courier-Mail newspaper.
Joyce Zahner, the town's mayor, said it was not clear exactly how many crocodiles were terrorising the town.
"I'm not sure if it's the same crocodile moving around – on the three sides of Normanton there's been a large croc seen right up close to the water's edge," she told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
"Hopefully he'll stay in the water and the kids will stay on the land." The flooding is the worst the region has seen for 30 years, and more rain is forecast with a tropical low pressure system threatening to develop into a cyclone about 150 kilometres (93 miles) off Queensland's north coast.
In the worst-hit town of Ingham, situated on the flooded Herbert River, 2,900 homes were inundated, including 50 which were totally submerged, emergency authorities said.
Residents have been forced to use boats to get around, while some smaller townships are virtually underwater and could remain cut off for weeks. Pino Giandominico, the region's mayor, said the situation was "horrendous" and "heartbreaking".
The army has been called in to help with rescue and recovery efforts as scores of people, including children and four Chinese tourists marooned on the top of their car, found themselves in trouble. Two pregnant women had to be airlifted to hospital.
The conditions in flood-hit parts of the state were described by Paul Lucas, deputy premier, as "like pouring water over a wet towel".
Damage from the deluge is estimated at $110m (pounds 49m) so far, a figure that state authorities fear could triple when the waters finally subside.
The floods came amid a record once-in-a-century heatwave in the states of South Australia and Victoria, in which 29 houses were destroyed by major bushfires and up to 35 people died.
Meteorologists have warned the extreme temperatures and heavy downpours would only increase as a result of climate change.
By Bonnie Malkin in Sydney
Last Updated: 1:51PM GMT 04 Feb 2009
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01159/portal-graphics-20_1159864a.jpg
More than 60 per cent of the region, the equivalent of around one million square kilometres, has been declared a disaster zone after heavy rains from two recent cyclones flooded 17 rivers, affecting more than 3,000 homes.
The deluge has also affected wildlife, washing crocodiles and snakes out their natural habitat and on to the streets.
Locals, already grappling with road closures, evacuations and food shortages, have been warned to watch out for rogue reptiles after one displaced crocodile, measuring more than 5ft, was reportedly hit by a car in Townsville. The animal survived the collision, suffering a few lost teeth and bruising.
Three separate reports said large crocodiles had been washed out of flooded rivers near the small cattle town of Normanton, further hampering rescue efforts, although emergency service volunteers have said they are prepared to encounter the odd "saltie".
Donna Smith, manager of the town's Albion Hotel, said a four-metre crocodile had been seen stalking residents and dogs in the flooded main street.
She also issued the grave warning that the town was expected to run out of beer in two days.
"We can put up with a lot of drama, no fruit and veggies, but nobody wants a pub with no beer," Ms Smith told Brisbane's Courier-Mail newspaper.
Joyce Zahner, the town's mayor, said it was not clear exactly how many crocodiles were terrorising the town.
"I'm not sure if it's the same crocodile moving around – on the three sides of Normanton there's been a large croc seen right up close to the water's edge," she told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
"Hopefully he'll stay in the water and the kids will stay on the land." The flooding is the worst the region has seen for 30 years, and more rain is forecast with a tropical low pressure system threatening to develop into a cyclone about 150 kilometres (93 miles) off Queensland's north coast.
In the worst-hit town of Ingham, situated on the flooded Herbert River, 2,900 homes were inundated, including 50 which were totally submerged, emergency authorities said.
Residents have been forced to use boats to get around, while some smaller townships are virtually underwater and could remain cut off for weeks. Pino Giandominico, the region's mayor, said the situation was "horrendous" and "heartbreaking".
The army has been called in to help with rescue and recovery efforts as scores of people, including children and four Chinese tourists marooned on the top of their car, found themselves in trouble. Two pregnant women had to be airlifted to hospital.
The conditions in flood-hit parts of the state were described by Paul Lucas, deputy premier, as "like pouring water over a wet towel".
Damage from the deluge is estimated at $110m (pounds 49m) so far, a figure that state authorities fear could triple when the waters finally subside.
The floods came amid a record once-in-a-century heatwave in the states of South Australia and Victoria, in which 29 houses were destroyed by major bushfires and up to 35 people died.
Meteorologists have warned the extreme temperatures and heavy downpours would only increase as a result of climate change.