As the rain continues to pour relentlessly over North Queensland, residents in Townsville and surrounding areas are facing a major flood emergency. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has issued evacuation orders for several regions, anticipating worsening conditions due to a slow-moving tropical low lingering over the area. With rainfall exceeding 400 millimetres in some parts of the state within just 24 hours, roads are submerged, and properties are at risk.
Residents Urged to Prepare for Evacuation
The Townsville Local Disaster Management Group has issued an emergency alert for multiple suburbs, including Cluden, Hermit Park, Idalia, Oonoonba, Railway Estate, and Rosslea, warning residents of imminent dangerous flooding. The alert cautions that flooding up to second-story levels is possible, while single-story buildings could be entirely submerged. The situation may reach a point where it becomes too hazardous for emergency services to carry out rescues.
A severe weather warning remains in effect, with the BoM predicting conditions that could lead to “dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding” from Ingham to Giru, encompassing Townsville. Rainfall totals of 120 to 200mm every six hours are expected, with isolated areas bracing for up to 240mm. The BoM also anticipates 24-hour rainfall totals of up to 350mm, emphasizing the severity of the impending weather system.
Residents Taking Precautions Amidst Rising Waters
Police officers are going door to door in South Johnstone near Innisfail, urging locals to plan for evacuation if floodwaters continue to rise. Residents are advised to prepare to leave their homes and seek higher ground to ensure their safety. Major flood warnings have been issued for various rivers across Queensland, including the Herbert River, Ross and Bohle Rivers, the Black River, Bluewater Creek, and the Haughton River Catchment.
Evacuation centers have been set up throughout the state, with a significant number of Townsville residents already seeking refuge by evening. Despite warnings to stay away from flooded areas, some locals were seen fishing or navigating the waters on inflatables, prompting the council to issue a reminder to avoid contact with contaminated floodwaters for health reasons.
Six years since the devastating floods in Townsville, memories of the catastrophic event in 2019 resurface among residents. Reports of crocodiles being swept up in floodwaters and appearing in residential neighborhoods have stirred concerns and disbelief among the community. A yacht breaking its mooring at the Townsville marina and washing up further down the beach serves as a stark reminder of the force of nature wreaking havoc in the region.
Premier Urges Caution and Preparedness
Queensland Premier David Crisfaulli has emphasized the importance of heeding emergency services’ advice as the state grapples with the unfolding crisis. Urging residents in low-lying areas to remain vigilant and make necessary provisions for potential evacuations, the Premier stressed the significance of prioritizing human life above all else. Collaborating with the federal government, Crisfaulli assured that support would be provided to those affected by the disaster.
Describing the current weather event as “significant,” the BoM’s Matthew Collopy highlighted the extreme rainfall already experienced and the looming threat of further intense and widespread precipitation. With rainfall totals expected to surpass 1000mm over the course of two to three days, the region faces unprecedented challenges as the weather system shows no signs of abating. The continuous downpour, with some areas already recording over 300mm of rainfall, has left North Queensland vulnerable to the relentless onslaught of nature’s fury.
As three troughs loom within the monsoon trough, the likelihood of tropical cyclone formation remains a concern, particularly over the Gulf of Carpentaria and the Coral Sea. The unpredictable nature of the weather system leaves residents on edge, unsure of what the coming days may bring. With conditions projected to persist into the following week, the resilience of North Queenslanders is put to the test as they navigate through uncertain and perilous times.