Australia begins cleanup after catastrophic flooding

Reuters-Residents began cleaning up and assessing the damage to their homes in north-eastern Australia on Wednesday (February 6) after catastrophic flooding swept through the region. Residents of Townsville, which received a year's worth of rain within one week, could be seen throwing out water-damaged possessions and sweeping water out of their homes, as rubbish piled up by the sidewalk. More than 1,100 people had to be evacuated on Monday (February 4) after authorities opened the dam gates of overflowing rainwater reservoirs. Industry figures estimated insurance losses for Townsville to be more than A$45 million ($32.63 million). Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said that 300 people remained in evacuation centres and warned that heavy showers could continue in some areas.