Key Takeaways:
- A father and daughter were rescued from a "dire situation" after their vehicle was washed away by floodwaters in remote outback Queensland.
- The pair escaped through the car window, swam to safety, and walked 13 kilometers to get phone reception.
- Police are warning people to use official road advice and never drive through floodwaters, as the roads in outback Queensland remain impassable due to heavy rainfall.
- The flooding has caused widespread damage, including the death of a man at Normanton, road closures, potential stock losses, and stranded travelers.
- The Department of Transport has closed several roads in the area, but some closures may not be reflected on digital maps like Google Maps.
Introduction to the Incident
A dramatic rescue operation was undertaken in remote outback Queensland, where a father and daughter were rescued from a life-threatening situation after their vehicle was swept away by floodwaters. The 40-year-old father and 18-year-old daughter were driving from Darwin to their home in Victoria via Boulia, a small town 300 kilometers south of Mount Isa, when they encountered the flooded causeway on Cloncurry-Duchess Road. According to Mount Isa District Acting Superintendent Paul Austin, the water was "flowing extremely fast" and was deep enough to wash their vehicle off the road.
The Rescue Efforts
The father and daughter managed to escape the vehicle through the window and swam to safety, before walking 13 kilometers to get phone reception. They called emergency services at around 6 pm, and a rescue team was dispatched to their location. Acting Superintendent Austin described the situation as "dire" and warned that it could have had tragic consequences if the pair had not managed to escape. The police were unable to reach the scene of the incident due to the impassable roads, highlighting the severity of the flooding in the area.
The Flooding Situation
The flooding in outback Queensland has been caused by heavy rainfall in the region, with some areas recording over 300 millimeters of rain since Boxing Day. The flooding has resulted in the death of a man at Normanton, as well as road closures, potential stock losses, and stranded travelers. The Department of Transport has closed several roads in the area, but some closures may not be reflected on digital maps like Google Maps, which the father and daughter used to navigate their route. This highlights the importance of using official road advice and being aware of the risks of driving through floodwaters.
The Warning to Motorists
Acting Superintendent Austin warned motorists to exercise caution and patience when driving in the area, as the roads remain impassable due to the flooding. He emphasized the importance of using official road advice provided by the Department of Transport and never driving through floodwaters. The police are urging people to be patient and to avoid taking unnecessary risks, as the flooding is expected to continue in the coming days. The father and daughter’s ordeal serves as a reminder of the dangers of driving through floodwaters and the importance of prioritizing safety above all else.
The Aftermath
The father and daughter were medically assessed and found to be in satisfactory health, despite their ordeal. They were provided with accommodation in Boulia, and police used aerial support to locate their vehicle, which was still partially submerged in floodwaters. The pair lost all of their belongings, including their vehicle, and are likely to face a long and difficult recovery process. The incident highlights the importance of being prepared for emergencies and having a plan in place in case of unexpected events. It also underscores the need for accurate and up-to-date information, particularly when it comes to road closures and weather conditions.
Conclusion
The rescue of the father and daughter in outback Queensland is a testament to the bravery and resilience of those involved. The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of driving through floodwaters and the importance of prioritizing safety above all else. As the flooding continues to affect the region, it is essential for motorists to exercise caution and patience, and to use official road advice provided by the Department of Transport. By doing so, we can minimize the risk of accidents and ensure a safe and successful journey, even in the most challenging of conditions.