‘Disgusted’: Looters take advantage of deadly floods as 24-hour patrols put in place in Far North Queensland

Criminals have taken advantage of evacuation orders in areas of Far North Queensland rocked by the death of two people, leaving police “disgusted”.

Residents in Ingham, Railway Estate and Rosslea were evacuated as the state was smashed by deadly floods, with a 63-year-old and 82-year-old woman both losing their lives in and around Ingham.

Queensland Police are now investigating reports of property damage and looting across the suburbs.

Townsville Superintendent Chris Lawson said he was “disgusted” by the behaviour, and assured the community 24-hour patrols were being conducted.

“The Queensland Police Service has zero tolerance for stealing, especially during a disaster,” Superintendent Lawson said.

“I am disgusted by these reports of people in our community taking advantage of this weather event and the devastation it has caused across our region.

“As we move into the recovery phase, police will continue to target offenders and hold them responsible for their actions.”

The crackdown comes after the “ferocious” floods washed away headstones at a Georgetown cemetery, northwest of Townsville.

“It gives you an indication of how ferocious this system is and how it continues to pack a punch,” Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to visit Townsville on Thursday, just days after the Ollera Creek Bridge on the Bruce Highway was broken apart.

Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Dean Narramore said areas including Emerald and Ingham had received widespread rainfalls of between 50 and 150mm over the last 24 hours.

Central parts of the state also received falls of up to 100mm.

“That’s likely to continue today, with widespread showers, rain and thunderstorms,” Mr Narramore said.

He said “major flooding” was occuring at the Herbert River, with flood warnings issued across the state.

Ingham was expected to be hit by more than 200mm of rain from Wednesday to Saturday.

A major warning is in place for the Herbert River, while moderate warnings are in place for Burdekin River, Connors and Isaac Rivers, Murray River and Ross River.

Minor warnings were put in place for the Tully River, Bohle River, Don River, Haughton River Catchment and Mulgrave River, with the Black River and Bluewater Creek, Proserpine River and Russell River also issued alerts.

Parts of the Burdekin, Gulf Country, and Thomson River Catchments were issued a flood watch while an initial minor flood warning was put in place for the Barcoo River.

More to come.