The Defence Force is on standby to assist flood-stricken Far North Queensland as the region continues to be inundated with record-breaking rainfall causing widespread flooding. This national emergency has prompted a swift response from authorities.
The Herbert River at Ingham Pump Station is projected to reach 15 metres today, still below the 1967 flood level of 15.2 metres, but expected to rise further before peaking on Tuesday.
Emergency services reported 480 requests for assistance overnight and carried out 11 swift water rescues across the region, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
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One person has died and over 400 people are currently taking shelter in six evacuation centres across the region, underscoring the impact of this natural disaster.
Critical infrastructure and supplies
Many major supermarkets in the area are either closed or isolated by floodwaters, causing concern for residents.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie has urged residents to remain calm as images of empty supermarket shelves circulate on social media. He confirmed that the region has at least a six-week food supply in warehouses.
Residents cut off by floodwaters in need of supplies are advised to contact local disaster management for assistance.
The town of Ingham is currently without power due to a substation being inundated, and the Ollera Creek Bridge, which is a critical part of the Bruce Highway, has collapsed.
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Premier David Crisafulli has confirmed that the Defence Force is preparing to assist with high-clearance vehicles and air support as the national response continues.
Support will persist as floodwaters recede and the clean-up begins. Crisafulli is expected to visit the flood-stricken region this afternoon after the Townsville Airport reopened this morning.
More rain on the way
The low-pressure system spanning the southwestern Cape York Peninsula to the east coast near Lucinda is gradually weakening, with heavy rainfall risks likely becoming confined to localised areas later today and into tomorrow.
The Bureau of Meteorology warns that flash flooding remains likely between Tully and Giru, extending inland to the far western Herbert and Lower Burdekin district, including Townsville.
Six-hourly rainfall totals of 100mm to 140mm are anticipated, with isolated falls up to 180mm. Some areas, including Cardwell Gap and Paluma, have already received over 600mm in the last 24 hours.
Major flood warnings are now in effect for the Haughton, Herbert, Ross, and Upper Burdekin rivers, indicating the severity of the flooding situation.
Major flooding is expected at Aplin Weir due to controlled releases on the Ross River Dam. “This will contribute to flows downstream in the Ross River. Major flooding is expected on Monday morning, with further river level rises anticipated in the coming days,” a social media post from Townsville Disaster Information cautioned today.
The river level is currently at 1.7m, above the moderate flood level of 1.6m, and is expected to exceed the major flood level of 1.8m this morning, potentially reaching about 2m by the afternoon.
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Tragedy struck yesterday when a woman died after an SES rescue boat capsized. The victim was traveling with an SES crew when the boat struck a tree and overturned.
Her body was discovered shortly thereafter.
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