‘Disaster Zone’ in Cairns, Water Shortage Due to Cyclone Jasper

Cairns is dealing with severe water shortages due to damaged infrastructure from floods and heavy rain brought by ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper. Regional Council Mayor Terry James said water in Far North Queensland has “run out,” and some suburbs have none. “Major flooding has caused a major blockage at the Crystal Cascades intake, which supplies the water treatment plant at Tunnel Hill,” he explained.  He said teams climbed to clear debris from the intake to the treatment plant at Crystal Cascades on the morning of Dec. 18 under “challenging conditions,” including landslides.  “Work to restore water supply is ongoing. We are hopeful of clearing the blockage today,” he said. ...