A WOMAN with links to Gwent has spoken of the extreme flooding which has displaced thousands of people in Australia's tropical north region.

Julia Hunt, whose family live in Cwmbran, lives in Townsville - a "non-flood zone" - welcomed a friend to stay with her yesterday, after she was evacuated from her own home by the army.

Australian officials have warned that up to 20,000 homes are at risk of being flooded in the state of Queensland, with its environment minister also warning locals to beware of crocodiles in flood waters.

The area affected tends to experience heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, but the recent downpour has exceeded all expectations. 

And the authorities have been left with no option but to open many dams, which were at risk of being damaged having reached full capacity.

Speaking about the situation, Miss Hunt said: "My friend name's is Kristen Haakons and she lives in a suburb called Idalia - a flooding area.

"The Ross River Dam was reaching full capacity and so it was opened.

"Kristen's apartment complex, which had already been sandbagged by the army, started to take on more water due to the flood gates already being partially opened and the constant rain. When they realised that the gates were going to be opened they were evacuated by the Australian Army in their big trucks.

South Wales Argus:

Kristen Haakons in the water.

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South Wales Argus:

"My friend was by herself and three cats.

"She messaged me telling me she was being evacuated and to meet her at Fairfield Central where the army was taking her."

South Wales Argus:

Julia Hunt.

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Once the 36-year-old heard of her friend's plight, she quickly offered her somewhere to stay.

Miss Hunt added: "I could not get to her because all the roads were blocked off from my end of town due to flooding. The army realised that no one could get to them so they relocated all the evacuated people to Annandale - another suburb here in Townsville. Kristen messaged this to me so I made my way over there - not knowing if I could get there either, but luckily the roads were clear and I got to her."

She added: "As soon as Kristen got into my car she cried. She was so scared and upset by everything that I think seeing me and knowing she was safe she could finally let go. She was terrified for both her and her cats because she was originally told she could not take her cats with her.

"It was terrifying for both of us. I did not know if I could get to my friend. Her car and her apartment are underwater.

"I told her she could stay with me straight away. We have known each other for about eight years.

Miss Hunt also expressed her hope that the flooding dries up "quickly" and added she "would help out with the clean up".