UPDATE: Disaster relief has just been activated for five councils in far north Queensland as devastating flooding continues to wreak havoc across the region. Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Flinders, McKinlay, and Richmond Shire Councils will receive financial assistance through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements scheme.
The flooding, triggered by relentless monsoonal rainfall over the Christmas period, has led to 37 roads being cut and significant disruptions. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli emphasized the urgency of the situation, urging affected residents and travelers to rely on the government’s disaster dashboard for critical updates. “Google Maps doesn’t know where the local impacts are, they’re headquartered a long, long way away,” he stated.
Heavy rainfall and life-threatening flash flooding persist across far north Queensland. The Bruce Highway has reopened after being temporarily closed due to the rising waters of the Seymour River but remains at risk of closure should the heavy rains continue.
The situation is compounded as residents brace for the impact of Tropical Cyclone Hayley, which has been upgraded to a category four system. This severe cyclone is moving toward Western Australia’s Dampier Peninsula with wind gusts reaching up to 230 km/h. Forecasts indicate that Hayley will cross the coast on Tuesday night, with officials warning residents in areas like Beagle Bay, Cockatoo Island, and Derby that it is too late to evacuate.
“We can expect to see those gale-force winds picking up through Tuesday morning and then intensifying to destructive wind gusts from Tuesday afternoon,” said Jonathan How from the Bureau of Meteorology. He cautioned that while the cyclone may weaken as it approaches land, it will still pose a severe threat.
Residents in vulnerable structures, such as caravans or older homes, are advised to evacuate to the nearest evacuation centers. The Bureau has issued a heavy rainfall warning, indicating the potential for flash flooding across the region. People are encouraged to prepare emergency kits with essentials, including canned food, water, first aid supplies, and a battery-operated radio to stay informed.
An evacuation center is currently open at the Broome Recreation and Aquatic Centre for those in affected areas. For those choosing to remain at home, securing loose outdoor items, moving vehicles to safety, and ensuring pets are safe are critical steps.
The response to this unfolding disaster highlights the urgent need for community support as Queensland faces multiple challenges from natural disasters. Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops.
