Historic Flooding in North West Queensland
Emergency services are preparing for recovery efforts in Australia’s northwest Queensland, as historic flooding continues to affect the area. Nearly 100 residents have been evacuated from Burketown, located approximately 2,000km northwest of Brisbane. Water levels at the Albert River have surpassed the 2011 record of 6.78 metres, peaking at more than seven metres on Sunday. Heavy rain over the past week caused major flooding across various rivers, including the Nicholson and Leichhardt river catchments, which received up to 35 millimetres in just 24 hours. The Gregory River also peaked at 12.3 metres, while major flooding is still occurring along the Albert River. With more rain and isolated thunderstorms predicted, emergency services are anticipating continued flooding until Monday, with water levels subject to change. About 97 people have been evacuated over 48 hours.
According to authorities, it is still unsafe for residents to return to their homes. Queensland Police said that all displaced persons have been accommodated and are currently being supported by Queensland Community Recovery Services. About 37 houses and two water pumping stations had to be taken off power due to safety concerns, and Burketown sewage and water treatment were also cut. However, water reserves and food supplies have been reported to be in good condition. The Mount Isa District Disaster Coordination Centre is preparing for the recovery phase.
Footage taken from a helicopter showed that the town and surrounding areas were already flooded on Saturday. Several properties, roads, and other infrastructure were affected, including several aircraft shown perched on a rare strip of elevated concrete. LifeFlight’s special mission helicopter was deployed to the area for the first time ever. Meanwhile, southeast Queensland is also expecting more rain despite the downgrade of severe thunderstorms and rain on Saturday. Several towns, cattle stations, and isolated settlements in the southeast Gulf of Carpentaria are currently cut off and relying on supplies sent by air or barge after weeks of torrential rain.