Floods in Australia have resulted in crocodiles on the streets

The Australian army has deployed to the north-east of the country to combat the unprecedented floods that have flooded homes, schools and airports and have resulted in crocodiles on the streets.

The Australian defense forces filled sandbags, deployed amphibious cargo ships and rescued residents from their rooftops on Monday, when monsoon rains flooded the state of Queensland.

The tropical regions of northern Australia experience heavy rains during the monsoon season, but recent rains have far exceeded normal levels, particularly in the coastal town of Townsville.

The authorities were forced Sunday to open the floodgates, causing what they called "dangerous and high-speed water currents".

"We have never seen so much water in our lives," said local radio journalist Gabi Elgood.

Desperate residents had to cope not only with flash floods, landslides and power cuts, but also with reptiles.

The Townsville newsletter has announced that it has received notices of sea water crocodiles in the area devastated by the floods.

"If the idea of ​​being face to face with a crocodile is not enough to dissuade them, before going to play water, always keep in mind that it 's not a good idea to have a crocodile. they may end up splashing among their neighbor's droppings, "the Queensland police said in a statement.

These rains constitute "an event that occurs every 100 years," said the head of the state government, Annastacia Palaszczuk.

The Australian weather service warned Sunday against new rains and the risk of tornadoes and strong winds in the coming days.

More than 20,000 homes could be flooded if rainfall continues, he warned.

On Monday, schools and courts remained closed. According to Emma Oliveri, spokesperson for the Ergon Energy electricity distribution group, more than 16,000 people did not have electricity.

The main artery that connects northern Australia to the rest of the east coast has also been cut off, which has created food distribution problems.

According to meteorologists, a monsoon system that travels very slowly was located above northern Queensland, and some areas could receive the equivalent of more than a year of precipitation, before a rainy season. improvement does not occur. (AFP-NA)