Indian community faces tough time in Townsville floods

Many families have evacuated their houses ravaged by floods in Townsville, Queensland.

Townsville and swathes of far north Queensland are being battered with more rain and swollen rivers. (AAP) Source: AAP

Queensland, and especially Townsville, has been ravaged with rains.

Once-in-a-century floods have turned Townsville streets into rivers, forcing thousands to abandon their homes and authorities are warning further "unprecedented flooding" could put up to 20,000 homes at risk.

The floods have forced many families to evacuate and have caused extensive damage to properties across the town.

Sam Salvador rides his bike through floodwaters, Ross River, Mundingburra, Townsville, Friday, February 1, 2019. (AAP Image/Andrew Rankin) Source: AAP

Indian restaurant Alishan's owner Inderdeep Singh told SBS Hindi surrounding suburbs of Ross river have been excessively affected by the floods. 

"Many members of our Indian community rent in the surrounding areas of the river. Last night, more water was released into the river which has caused a lot of damage to their houses," he says. 

Mr Singh says he knows many among the community who have been forced to evacuate their house. 

"My friend Gurpyad Singh had over 20-22 people at his people at his house right now. I offered them my place to stay as I live close to the beach and there isn't flooding here. But he said they were managing," Mr Singh said.

Houses are inundated with flood waters in Townsville, North Queensland, Monday, February 4, 2019. . Source: AAP Image

But it wasn't long before Mr Gurpyad had to evacuate too.

"Authorities arrived at our house to alert us that when they release more water from the dam, this area could be affected. So we put as much as we could on the floor above and had to leave with just a handbag," he told SBS Hindi. 

Mr Singh went back to see the damage but could not see. 

"The area is still under water. The road is closed," Mr Singh.

A resident pushes a bicycle through floodwaters in Hermit Park, Townsville. (AAP) Source: AAP

Another member of the Indian community, Mr John Bosco said the floods have affected many small business owners. 

"I know of around 20 families which are affected. The floods have also affected those members who run their GP clinics and dental clinics and drive taxis," he told SBS Hindi. 

"The rains have finally stopped, providing a much-required relief to people here," Mr Bosco said.

 

Click here to read the story in Hindi