Police in Queensland have recovered the bodies of two Chinese backpackers who went missing during severe flooding.
The victims were a 26-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman. They were travelling by car from Brisbane to the North Burnett Region.
Authorities reported them missing on Tuesday after they failed to reach their destination.
Car Found During Large Search
Police launched a major search operation to locate the travellers.
The search included officers, the State Emergency Service, and helicopter teams.
On Wednesday afternoon, rescuers located the couple’s silver Subaru Forester near the town of Kilkivan, close to Gympie.
The vehicle was submerged in floodwaters.
Authorities confirmed on Thursday that two bodies were found inside the car.
Police have notified the victims’ families and are coordinating with the Chinese consulate.
Local Officials Call It a Tragedy
Gympie mayor Glen Hartwig described the incident as a heartbreaking tragedy.
He said the victims had come to Australia to explore the country but sadly lost their lives during the disaster.
Severe Flooding Across Northern Australia
Heavy rain has triggered major flood warnings across Queensland and parts of the Northern Territory.
Authorities say several river levels are still rising.
Floodwaters have affected hundreds of homes in areas including Bundaberg and Katherine.
Officials also warned residents to avoid floodwaters after crocodiles were spotted in some areas.
Water Supply Concerns in Darwin
In Darwin, officials have asked residents to reduce water usage.
Authorities also advised people to boil drinking water.
Flooding damaged a pump station at the dam that supplies most of the city’s water, causing it to stop operating.
Emergency services continue to monitor the situation as flooding affects communities across northern Australia.
