Key Takeaways:
- Flash flooding has significantly affected the central Queensland town of Clermont, with up to 60 homes affected and dozens of properties without power.
- Swift water rescue crews saved three people stuck in floodwaters overnight, and two more people made their own way to safety.
- The Sandy Creek at Clermont Bridge peaked at over 11 meters, and water began receding overnight, with lighter rain and thunderstorms expected.
- Western communities are being warned of possible heavy rains from ex-Cyclone Koji, with major flood warnings remaining in place for several rivers.
- The Queensland Premier is calling on the federal government to invest in rain gauges across Queensland’s north, after graziers reported they were out of action at critical times.
Introduction to the Floods
The clean-up is underway in the central Queensland town of Clermont, which was cut off by floodwaters. The town, with a population of around 3,000 people, has been significantly affected by the flash flooding, with up to 60 homes affected and dozens of properties without power. The local mayor, Kelly Vea Vea, has urged residents to stay put and avoid traveling unless necessary, as the floodwaters make their way through the area. The town’s residents have come together to support each other, with many helping their neighbors and offering shelter to those in need.
Rescue Efforts
Swift water rescue crews have been working tirelessly to save people stuck in the floodwaters. Overnight, three people were rescued, including two men who became trapped on the roof of a truck on the Gregory Highway. Another person was pulled to safety from the roof of a vehicle a few hours later. Two more people made their own way to safety after being stuck on the roof of a car on the same highway. The rescue efforts have been hampered by the flooded roads and the sheer volume of water, but the crews have been working diligently to reach those in need.
Flood Warnings and Alerts
The Sandy Creek at Clermont Bridge peaked at over 11 meters, and the water began receding overnight, with lighter rain and thunderstorms expected. However, the roads surrounding Clermont remain flooded, and an emergency flood warning was lifted only recently. The Queensland Premier, David Crisafulli, has warned that already-sodden western communities should stay on high alert, as ex-Cyclone Koji continues to crawl westward. Major flood warnings remain in place for the lower Flinders River and the Georgina, Connors, Isaac, and Mackenzie rivers, and an alert has been issued for the Mackenzie River, with residents in low-lying areas urged to prepare for possible flooding.
Western Communities at Risk
The western communities are at risk of further flooding, with the system expected to weaken further and move west and north-west through the Gulf Country. The Premier has warned that the catchments are already full, and even small amounts of rain could lead to significant problems. The town of Eungella, with a population of around 200 people, was left completely isolated on Monday by floodwaters, with no food or medical supplies able to get through. The main road in and out of the community has been seriously damaged, and the back road into the town is also impassable.
Clean-up Efforts
The clean-up efforts have begun in other communities across north and central Queensland, as floodwaters subside. In Finch Hatton, an hour west of Mackay, floodwaters inundated the local service station for the first time since it was built around 60 years ago. The water damaged hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of stock, and the administration manager, Lisa Zarb, has appealed for help from the community. The clean-up also continues along the coast, with authorities saying around 20 vessels were damaged as Koji passed through.
Support and Relief
The Queensland Premier has called on the federal government to invest in rain gauges across Queensland’s north, after graziers reported they were out of action at critical times. The Premier has also warned that more than 50,000 head of cattle have been lost to the weather event, and he fears this is only the beginning. Less than 1,000 homes remain without power across the state, and the authorities are working to restore power and provide relief to those affected. The community has come together to support each other, with many offering shelter, food, and other forms of assistance to those in need.