Woman Dies in Queensland Floods as 1,700 Homes Face Inundation in Townsville ‘Black Zone’

Severe flooding is expected to affect at least 1,700 homes in Townsville, with authorities urging residents in the city’s north to evacuate immediately.

The Townsville Local Disaster Management Group issued an urgent evacuation notice for Bluewater on Sunday, as floodwaters began to rise in the "black zone" suburbs south of the city.

According to flood modeling, homes in Cluden, Hermit Park, Idalia, Oonoonba, Railway Estate, and Rosslea are at risk of water rising above floor level.

Andrew Robinson, chair of the Townsville Local Disaster Management Group, expressed concern that 10% of residents refused to evacuate despite being warned by authorities.

"If they wait too long to leave, they may not only endanger themselves but also put rescuers at risk," he cautioned.

Tragedy struck earlier on Sunday when a woman lost her life after an emergency services boat capsized in the floodwaters.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli confirmed that the incident occurred in Ingham, approximately 100 kilometers north of Townsville. Queensland Police Service (QPS) reported that the State Emergency Service (SES) boat overturned on Rutledge Street around 9:20 a.m.

Meanwhile, the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has declared the ongoing heavy rainfall a "significant event," allowing for a thorough assessment of its insurance impact. If claims continue to rise substantially, the event may be escalated to an "insurance catastrophe" classification.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to remain vigilant and prioritize safety as floodwaters pose a growing threat.