One dead, thousands urged to evacuate as Australia’s northeast battles floods

SYDNEY – One person died on Sunday in Australia’s north Queensland state in heavy flooding, authorities said, urging thousands of people to move to higher ground due to torrential rains.

Queensland authorities said major flooding was underway in coastal Hinchinbrook Shire, a locality of around 11,000 people located about 500 km (310 miles) north of state capital Brisbane. Several suburbs in the nearby city of Townsville, were also impacted, authorities said.

REUTERS