• Bodies of young Chinese couple found after Queensland floods
• Floods continue to threaten residents and homes

Australian police have confirmed the discovery of the bodies of a young Chinese man and woman who went missing in Queensland floodwaters.

The 26-year-old man and 23-year-old woman were traveling from Brisbane to the North Burnett region when they were reported missing on Tuesday after failing to reach their destination.

Their car was found near the town of Kilkivan on Wednesday evening following a large-scale search involving police, the State Emergency Service, and rescue helicopters.

On Thursday, authorities confirmed that both bodies were recovered from the submerged vehicle. Next of kin were notified, with police coordinating with the Chinese consulate.

Gympie Mayor Glen Hartwig described the incident as an “absolute tragedy,” saying, “These people came to Australia to enjoy our beautiful country… and sadly, they lost their lives.”

Queensland and parts of the Northern Territory have faced severe flood warnings over the past few days, with river levels continuing to rise due to heavy rainfall.

Floodwaters have inundated hundreds of homes in towns including the coastal Bundaberg in Queensland and Katherine in the Northern Territory. Crocodiles have also been spotted in some areas, with residents warned to avoid the water.

In Darwin, authorities urged residents to boil drinking water and reduce consumption after the city’s main pumping station was flooded and stopped functioning.