Floods in Australia Claim First Victim

Floods in some regions in Australia are yet to reach their peaks. Photo by dariknews

The flooding in the Australian state of Queensland has claimed its first victim, the BBC reported.

A 41-year-old woman has been swept from the road in her car. She was trying to cross the Leichhardt River on a causeway with another car when both vehicles were swept away.

The police rescued eight people from the cars, but could not manage to reach the woman. Her body was found later.

At least two other people have been reported missing – a man whose small fishing boat was swamped by flood waters and a swimmer who disappeared in the Fitzroy River.

More than 20 towns have been flooded and more than 200,000 have been affected by the flooding, which has spread on an area larger than France and Germany.

There are fears that the damage from the floods would cost billions to repair. Officials have warned that the mining, farming and tourism industries will suffer.

Some residents are preparing to return home after being evacuated. However, the flooding in the city of Rockhampton is yet to reach its peak. The mayor, Brad Carter, has warned that about 40% of the city could be affected.

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