Catastrophic floods engulf Queensland’s Far North, unleashing havoc and despair
Queensland’s far north is facing a major flooding crisis, as torrential rains have led to rivers overflowing and roads being cut off. This extreme weather event in Australia has put homes in jeopardy, with more heavy rain forecast in the coming hours.
Major Rivers Flooding:
According to Dean Narramore, senior meteorologist at the Bureau of Meteorology, several rivers from the Daintree in the north to Innisfail are experiencing major flooding. The Daintree River, Mossman River, Barron River, Mulgrave River, Johnstone River, Tully River, Murray River, and Herbert River have all been affected by the relentless downpour.
Record-Breaking Rainfall and Rising River Levels:
The Barron River catchment has received over 500 millimetres of rain since 9 am on Saturday. The flooding of the Barron River around Cairns Airport is expected to peak at 4.1 metres on Sunday, surpassing the record set in March 1977.
Queensland’s Worst Flood Crisis: Rivers Overflow, Homes Threatened, and Evacuations Underway
Local Authorities and Evacuation Efforts:
Cairns Regional Council Mayor, Terry James, described the flooding as “unprecedented.” Residents in areas like Caravonica, Lake Placid, and Kamerunga were advised to move to higher levels of their homes or seek shelter elsewhere. Evacuation centres have been set up but are being used as a last resort due to limited comfort and space.
Challenging Conditions for Travel and Transportation:
The severe flooding has made driving unpredictable and dangerous, leading to road closures from the Tablelands to the coast. The Bruce Highway south from Cairns to Ingham is already closed, and further road closures are expected.
Warnings for the Travelling Public:
Hinchinbrook Mayor Raymond Jayo warned that access south from Ingham to Townsville might be cut off in the coming hours. With water levels expected to rise significantly, he expressed concern for the travelling public who might get stranded.
Townsville Airport Status and Power Outages:
Despite the flooding, Townsville Airport remains operational. However, travellers are advised to check their flight schedules. Hundreds of households are without power in the Far North, adding to the challenges faced by residents.
Cyclone Jasper’s Impact and Ongoing Restoration Efforts:
Engineers are working to restore power after outages caused by Tropical Cyclone Jasper earlier this week, compounding the region’s difficulties.