Residents have been urged to move to higher ground amid warnings flash flooding inundating north Queensland could threaten life and property.
The fresh warning comes after a woman died following a rescue on Sunday morning.
Rainfall totals could soar up to 500mm in a 24 hour period from Cardwell, Townsville and down to Ayr between Sunday and Monday.
An emergency alert for dangerous flooding that could “pose a threat to life and property” was issued by Cassowary Coast Regional Council for the Cardwell area in Far North Queensland at about midnight on Monday.
“Cardwell residents are advised flooding is occurring in low-lying areas and may spread,” the alert stated.
“Residents in low-lying areas should collect their evacuation kit and move to a safe place on higher ground now. This situation poses a threat to life and property.”
Residents were advised to seek a safe and high place away from creeks and rivers and to take mobile phones, medicine, ID, cash and keys along.
Those unable to leave safely were told to stay inside and move to a higher point like a kitchen bench or second storey — and call triple-zero — if floodwater comes inside.
Those outside should stay away from trees, drains, low areas, creeks, canals and floodwater.
People were warned not to drive through floodwaters.
The State Emergency Service (SES) have received nearly 400 calls since 6am on Sunday, including 227 in Townsville City, 104 in Hinchinbrook Shire, 24 in Burdekin Shire and 21 in the Cairns region.
About 27 per cent of calls were for leaking ceilings and roof damage, followed by groundwater entering homes (25 per cent) and requests for evacuation due to flood water entering homes (17 per cent).
A woman died on Sunday morning after an emergency services boat flipped over in floodwaters at Rutledge St in Ingham.
“Tragic news coming out of the tight-knit Ingham community today with the loss of one of their own,” Queensland Premier David Crisafulli posted to social media on Sunday.
“Our thoughts are with their friends and family during this devastating time, and the emergency services personnel working in these dangerous conditions.”
A flood watch has been issued for parts of Burdekin and Proserpine Catchments, while a major flood warnings were issued for the Haughton River Catchment, Herbert River, Ross and Bohle Rivers, Murray River and Upper Burdekin River.
The Bureau of Meteorology also issued warnings for the Black River and Blue Water Creek, with a moderate warning in place for the Tully River.
Minor flood warnings were issued for the Lower Burdekin River, Don River, Johnstone River Catchment, Mulgrave River and Pioneer River, while warnings were also in place for the Black River, Bluewater Creek and Russell River.
Heavy and intense rainfall could hit parts of the North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, as well as the Herbert and Lower Burdekin Forecast districts, according to a Bureau of Meteorology alert issued at 4.37am Monday.
“Heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding is forecast between Tully and Giru, and inland to the far western Herbert and Lower Burdekin district, including Townsville,” the alert stated.
“Locally intense rainfall which may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding is also possible between Cardwell and Yabulu, including the towns of Rollingstone, Paluma and Ingham during this period.”
More to come.
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