Urgent flood warning as torrential rain smashes north Queensland: ‘Get as high as you can’

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli confirmed one life has been lost to the North Queensland floods.

‘There has been the loss of a life in floodwaters,’ Mr Crisafulli said.

‘Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.’

Queensland Police stated the person was found dead in flood water around Ingham about 9.20am.

It’s understood SES personnel were transporting members of the public when their boat hit a tree and flipped, tipping six people into the water.

Five people were rescued and an off-duty police officer found the body of the missing person a short time later.

It was later revealed the deceased was a woman and not part of the SES crew.

Several towns between Cairns and Townsville have received more than 100mm of rain in the last 24 hours.

Paluma Dam, between Townsville and Ingham, recorded a whopping 717mm in the 24 hours to 9am on Sunday.

The Bureau warned the same amount could fall over the next 24 hours.

Rollingstone recorded 674mm while Bluewater had 425mm.

Herbert MP Phillip Thompson warned north Queenslanders to avoid comparing ongoing extreme weather to historic storms.

‘I know we’ve all been through natural disasters but they’re all different,’ he said.

‘Whether someone thinks this isn’t as bad as a previous one – this is a different one.

‘If the experts are giving you that advice, then people should adhere to it.’

Townsville Airport closed at 12.30pm and is expected to remain closed until Monday.

‘Airlines are cancelling and rescheduling services as necessary,’ it said.

‘If you are booked on flights today (Sunday) or tomorrow (Monday) then please contact your airline directly for further advice.’

The airport is expected to issue an update at 6pm.

The Queensland Government has shared a list of items evacuating residents should bring with them.

• First aid kit and medications
• Important documents
• Thick gloves
• Torch
• Non-perishable food
• Battery-powered radio
• Spare batteries
• Hand sanitiser
• Toiletries for three days, including toilet paper
• Mobile phone and powerbank
• Water for three days
• Cash
• Spare Clothes
• Bedding
• Valuables

The Hotel Euramo announced it will continue serving cold beers through ongoing floods.

The pub has earned the nicknamed the ‘Euramo Yacht Club’ over the years for staying open during flooding events.

It stuck true to tradition on Sunday, with six boats and a canoe seeking shelter at the raised venue.

The pub shared a humorous video ‘mopping up’ the floodwater and announcing it would open from 10am.

Disaster Queensland has updated its flood warnings.

Those in red zones – including Townsville, Hinchinbrook, Giru and Cardwell – have been advised to evacuate to higher ground.

Those relying on battery operated radios can tune into the following frequencies for emergency broadcasts:

• Townsville: 630 AM
• Cairns: 801 AM
• Cairns: 106.7 FM
• Cairns North: 95.5 FM
• Mossman: 639 AM
• Mackay and Whitsundays: 101.1 FM

The owners of a small towing company have shared a heartwarming offer to help out those affected by ongoing floods.

All Hours Towing on Saturday extended a hand to anyone trapped by floods by offering their services, free of charge.

‘Townsville, just like six years ago we have your back if you are in a situation where we can help you or save your car from getting swamped,’ it said.

‘Give us a call and we will do what we can. All free of charge!

‘Please stay safe out there guys.’

The offer was met with massive appreciation from the community.

‘This is true mateship right here. I do not need your service but will certainly remember you guys in the future,’ one said.

‘Appreciated the help back then and glad you are back at it. Legends!’ another wrote.

‘True blue right there. What a ripper. God bless you!’ another said.

Ergon Energy has decided to pull the plug on power in Ingham as massive flooding continues.

Some 6,700 customers have been affected.

In spite of warnings from police, many cars were spotted driving through floodwater in Townsville.

Drivers were seen braving the water on Charles St, in the town’s west, about 9am.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued flood warnings for the following regions:

• Flood Watch for the Burdekin and Proserpine Catchments
• Major Flood Warning for the Haughton River Catchment, Herbert River, Ross and Bohle Rivers.
• Flood Warning for the Black River, Bluewater Creek and Russell River.
• Moderate Flood Warning for the Burdekin River, Tully and Murray Rivers.
• Minor Flood Warning for the Don River, Johnstone River Catchment, Mulgrave River and Pioneer River.

Queensland Fire Deaprtment has responded to 15 swiftwater rescues in the last 24 hours.

‘Heavy rainfall that could lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding is continuing to impact the area between Innisfail and Bowen today,’ it said.

‘More of our swiftwater rescue firefighters and resources are on their way to north Queensland as the weather event continues t

‘There are multiple Emergency Alerts and weather warnings in place and it’s important to stay informed and act early on advice from authorities.’

An Ingham resident of nearly 40 years said flooding is the worst she’s ever seen.

Patricia Murphy was forced to flee her home on Saturday night as the Herbert River continued to rise.

Premier David Crisafulli earlier said the river had reached 14.8 metres, close to the recorded 15.2 metre flood in 1967.

Ms Murphy recorded 750mm of flooding at her house in the 2009 floods, the most severe flood event in recent history, but said this weekend’s falls would lead to ‘much, much worse’ damage.

‘Whatever we packed up and put on frames yesterday, it’s probably floating now,’ she told the ABC.

‘I’m not looking forward to going home because it’s going to be a big job to clean up.’

Ergon Energy warned several residents would be without power amid massive storms due to landslides and fallen trees.

‘Flooding, landslides and falling trees have been impacting power in North Queensland, where all eyes are on the coming flood peak,’ it said.

‘Some locations, incl Mt Sophia, Clyde Rd and Paluma, have already clocked one METRE of rain in the past few days, with major flood levels in a number of key waterways and more rain on the way.

‘A landslide has impacted high-voltage powerlines at Palm Island.

‘In the current conditions, we don’t have a restoration time as it requires specialised heavy equipment and crews, but we’ve been talking with council and will share info as it’s available.

‘We’re seeing huge trees come down thanks to the sodden ground and increasing winds. We’ll respond when we can, but it depends on whether it’s safe and possible for crews to access these sites.’

Queensland Police has warned it would not tolerate flood ‘sight seeing’.

‘As we see flooding across North Queensland, a reminder not to enter floodwaters,’ it said.

‘Floods are not something to sightsee and nothing warrants risking your own life or the lives of those that may need to rescue you.

‘Floodwater is unpredictable and extremely dangerous, even for the most experienced driver.

‘Remember, if it’s flooded, forget it!’

Queensland SES are being called to swift water rescues in Cardwell.

Three people became trapped on their roof in Gregory Street shortly after 7am and another person was stuck in floodwater on Lawson Drive just an hour later.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council issued a warning earlier this morning to advise people in low-lying areas should evacuate.

‘Cardwell residents are advised low-lying flooding is occurring in low lying areas and may spread,’ it said.

‘Residents in low lying areas should collect their evacuation kit and move to a safe place on higher ground now.

‘This situation may pose a threat to life and property.’

Residents in Townsville’s ‘black zones’ have been urged to move to higher ground as soon as possible or face life-threatening floods.

‘So those black zone suburbs are Railway Estate, Hermit Park, Oonoonba, Idalia, Cluden, and Rosslea,’ Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said.

‘If you are in that area we’re asking you to leave by midday and the preparation’s all been done yesterday.

‘Separately to that, if you’re in a low-lying area and you believe that you’re a risk to flooding, you should also do that.

‘Our advice is you can go with family and friends, but if that’s not an option there are evacuation centres that are open at both Heatley as well as at the Townsville Sports Reserve.’

Premier David Crisafulli urged those in flood zones to leave their homes urgently, noting there’s plenty of room in evacuation centres.

‘Those evacuation centres in Townsville are open and, if they are required, there is provisions to ensure further ones can be opened to deal with that capacity,’ he said.

Shocking photos from Dotswood, about 120km west of Townsville, show the Burdekin River rapidly rising.

If the bridge goes under, it would block trucks from using the Flinders Highway – the main road connecting Townsville with western Queensland – to reach Charters Towers and beyond.

The photos below were taken just over 12 hours apart.

Premier David Crisafulli has warned the Herbert River in Ingham has reached 14.8metres – just 400cm short of the 1967 record of 15.2metres.

‘My advice to people there is, if it’s safe to do so and you believe you’re in danger, please go and be with friends and family,’ he said.

‘If that’s not an option, there’s an evacuation centre at the Ingham State High School.

‘There’s no doubt that those levels are at historic levels.’

Authorities have given thousands of north Queenslanders an urgent evacuation order as flood water continues to rise.

Premier David Crisafulli emphasised the severity and urgency of the situation, warning residents not to be complacent.

He said the Herbert River has already reached 14.8 metres, close to the recorded 15.2 metre flood in 1967.

‘Some of the falls we saw overnight in different parts were, quite frankly, at incredible levels,’ he told ABC24 on Sunday.

‘If people are in a situation where they believe that is a prospect, don’t take the risk. Please leave and I just can’t be more clear about that.’

He said swift water rescue crews, including Water Police, SES and defence personnel, had been deployed in and around flood zones and urged anyone who felt they were in danger to call triple zero.