Far North Queensland Braces for Record Rainfall and Dangerous Flooding
The entire town of Wujal Wujal will need to be evacuated as record rainfall and dangerous flash flooding continues to hit Far North Queensland.
Evacuations Underway in Wujal Wujal
Nine people who were trapped on the roof of the Wujal Wujal hospital have moved to higher ground, but Premier Steven Miles says the entire town will now need to be moved. Agencies are working to safely evacuate the community to Cooktown.
"Intense rainfall is expected to continue, though it has eased in some locations. There is a risk of ongoing showers and storms throughout the day and [we] will need to monitor how that impacts on river levels and flooding."
Rescue Efforts Hampered by Major Road Damage
Flood evacuations are ongoing, but major road damage is making it difficult for rescue teams to access affected areas. The swift water firefighters and emergency services have responded to hundreds of calls for assistance.
Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy has engaged with the Australian Defence Force for assistance as many communities remain isolated. Wujal Wujal alone received over 260mm of rain overnight.
Widespread Flooding and Airport Closure
The Far North Queensland region has experienced some of its worst flooding in decades, with major flooding levels exceeded in river systems as far north as the Daintree and as far south as Ingham. Cairns Airport remains closed due to flooding, with all flights cancelled.
Senior meteorologist Sarah Scully stated that this flood event is exceeding the 1977 flood event for Cairns, and major flooding is also occurring in the Barron River and the Daintree. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued flood warnings for the region and expects rainfall to ease by this afternoon.
