In early February 2025, extreme weather events battered two Australian states, Queensland and Victoria, bringing powerful storms, floods, and wildfires that resulted in fatalities and widespread destruction.
In Queensland, torrential rains that began on January 31 lasted for several days. In some areas, about 23 inches of rain fell within 24 hours, while others recorded up to 39 inches over three days. This caused the most severe flooding in the region in 60 years.
The town of Ingham and its surroundings were completely submerged as the Herbert River rose to 15.2 meters, surpassing the destructive flood levels of 1967. Tragically, one person died, and thousands of residents were forced to evacuate their homes to escape the rising waters.
In Townsville, a city of approximately 200,000, a state of emergency was declared. Residents of low-lying areas were ordered to evacuate immediately. The airport was shut down, supermarkets ran out of fresh produce, and thousands of homes lost power. Authorities warned people to be cautious of crocodiles lurking in the floodwaters.
In Victoria, a powerful storm struck on February 2, bringing wind gusts of up to 68 mph. Tens of thousands of homes were left without electricity. The storm unleashed over 8,000 dry lightning strikes, one of which ignited a fire in a residential building.
Southern Melbourne was drenched in heavy rain and hail. In Geelong, a significant downpour led to roof collapses, falling trees, and flash floods, trapping cars in rising waters. Despite the storm, Victoria remained under abnormal heat conditions, with temperatures soaring to 104°F in some areas. These extreme conditions fueled several wildfires, adding to the region’s challenges.
Extreme weather events like these are becoming increasingly intense and destructive. Why is this happening, and what can humanity do to counter it? Comprehensive answers to these questions can be found in the documentary “Water from the Air: The Path to Saving Humanity.”