Australian authorities pulled the bodies of two men from a storm water drain during cleanup efforts after catastrophic flooding in the northeastern state of Queensland, police said on Tuesday. Days of severe rainfall in the town of Townsville caused insurance losses estimated at more than A$45 million (€28.59 million), industry figures show, while weather officials have warned that heavy showers could continue in some areas. “The bodies were found around midday and have been identified,” police said in a statement, without revealing the cause of death. More than 1,100 people had to be evacuated on Monday after authorities opened the dam gates of overflowing rainwater reservoirs. “As they return to their homes, as they assess the damage to their homes; yes, there’s the physical loss, but there is also the mental shock and just coming to terms with it.” –Reuters

Source: The Irish Times February 05, 2019 15:22 UTC