UPDATE: A man in his 70s has tragically died in floodwaters in Normanton, Queensland, as Tropical Cyclone Hayley bears down on Australia’s northwest. Authorities reported the catastrophic incident occurred around 3 PM on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, when police discovered the man’s body inside his submerged vehicle.
As the nation grapples with this loss, residents on the Dampier Peninsula brace for the impact of the category three cyclone, which is projected to make landfall on Tuesday night. Areas including Beagle Bay, Cockatoo Island, and Derby have been warned that it is now too late to evacuate, intensifying the urgency for residents to prepare for severe weather conditions.
Wind gusts of up to 170 km/h are anticipated, alongside heavy rainfall that poses a significant risk for flash flooding. Emergency services have issued warnings, urging residents, especially those in caravans or older homes, to seek refuge at nearby evacuation centers, with the Broome Recreation and Aquatic Centre open to those in danger zones.
In the wake of devastating monsoonal rainfall, disaster relief has been activated for five north Queensland councils, including Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Flinders, McKinlay, and Richmond. These regions have been approved for financial assistance under the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements scheme, aimed at supporting their response and recovery efforts.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli emphasized the importance of local resources for information, stating, “Google Maps doesn’t know where the local impacts are; they’re headquartered a long, long way away.” He encouraged residents to consult the government’s disaster dashboard for real-time updates.
As heavy rainfall and life-threatening flash flooding continue across far north Queensland, authorities report that 37 roads are currently cut off, further complicating access and recovery efforts. The Bruce Highway has reopened after being temporarily closed by the Seymour River but may face closures again if rains persist.
Residents are advised to prepare emergency kits with essentials such as canned food, water, a first aid kit, medication, cash, and a battery-operated radio for updates. Those opting to stay home should secure loose items outdoors, protect vehicles, and ensure pets are safe.
This developing situation highlights the urgent need for community readiness as emergency services work tirelessly to address the impacts of these severe weather events. Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.
