Floods in Queensland Cause Bridge Collapse, One Dead

Queensland is facing its worst flooding in over 60 years after torrential rains caused the collapse of the Ollera Creek Bridge, a critical link on the Bruce Highway, which has left communities stranded and complicated rescue efforts. The flooding has claimed at least one life, with a 63-year-old woman drowning when a rescue dinghy capsized in Ingham. Thousands of residents have been evacuated across Townsville, Ingham, and Cardwell, with over 1,700 homes inundated and nearly 11,000 properties without power. Queensland's Premier David Crisafulli has warned of ongoing severe weather and the likelihood of further flooding, while emergency services have conducted numerous swift water rescues. The rain has been unprecedented, with some areas receiving six months' worth of rainfall in just three days, pushing rivers to near-record levels. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as they prepare for more heavy rain and potential evacuations.