The nation’s flood emergency escalates as torrential rainfall persistently sweeps across Queensland, with significant overnight downpours amplifying the risk. The state broadly, inclusive of its inland territories, remains under major flood alerts affecting major rivers such as the Thomson, Barcoo, Bullo, Paroo, and Warrego Rivers.
These devastating floods have severed key road networks and displaced entire communities, including the entirety of the small town of Adavale, where its populace was airlifted to Quilpie. Central Queensland’s locations such as Stonehenge, Jundah, and Windorah are severely impacted, with rainfall figures cresting at a staggering 600mm – nearly double the annual average.
This severe flooding phenomenon not seen since 1974 points to an extended period of water being present for many affected regions. Premier David Crisafulli has already mobilized support mechanisms, including personal hardship assistance and financial aid for affected primary producers.
“There is an undeniable crisis in terms of agricultural impact across significant parts of our state,” Mr. Crisafulli stated, estimating the potential loss of hundreds of thousands of cattle and sheep, detailing an “order of a million head of cattle” and “a million sheep” currently affected.
Forecasts remain fluid, with the Bureau of Meteorology extending flood warnings to other regions, including the Flinders and Cloncurry Rivers and an expanse of the state’s southeast, covering populous areas like Brisbane and the Gold and Sunshine Coasts. Meteorologist Jonathan How emphasized this dynamic situation is updated frequently, with a focus on southeastern regions for severe thunderstorm advisories.
The Wide Bay area has seen the heaviest rainfall, reaching figures of 100mm-200mm. How attributes this to a vast expanse of tropical moisture across the state that continues to induce widespread rain and storms.
NSW is not spared from this heightened weather activity, observing increased rainfall notably in regions like the Northern Rivers, Sydney, Central Coast, and Illawarra. Meanwhile, Western Australia’s Kimberley region has experienced the birth of Tropical Cyclone Dianne, now downgrading to a tropical low yet still promising significant wind and rainfall concerning residents from Derby to Kuri Bay.
“Stay vigilant,” How advises, noting a severe weather alert extends across inland Kimberley areas. As broad flood watches cover the Kimberley region with possible persistence into the Northern Territory, the robustness of the national emergency response system is undergoing intense scrutiny.
