The ongoing series of storms in Queensland’s southeast is taking a severe emotional and logistical toll on residents as the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) warns of more heavy rain ahead.
The relentless downpours have resulted in road closures, the shutdown of over 20 schools, and significant town flooding, necessitating multiple rescue operations.
The BoM has issued warnings for potentially life-threatening flash flooding. “We expect the heavy rain and intense conditions to continue, potentially causing further dangerous flooding in the coming hours and through tomorrow,” a spokesperson advised.
Samford Valley and Upper Caboolture have been particularly hard-hit, with Samford Valley receiving 300mm of rain in three hours and Upper Caboolture 126mm in two hours.
Swiftwater crews rescued 13 people overnight as floodwaters surged across Moreton Bay, Somerset, Lockyer Valley, and Darling Downs. In Moreton Bay alone, eight rescues were conducted, with the SES fielding 28 emergency calls.
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily continues to batter Queensland’s north-west, causing extensive flooding and isolation.Queensland Premier Steven Miles has urged caution for Moreton Bay residents, stressing that if roads are flooded, they should be avoided.
The town of Laidley, west of Brisbane, has been inundated after a creek overflowed, prompting the opening of an evacuation centre at Laidley State High School.
Flood warnings remain in effect for large parts of central Queensland, the south-east, and northeast New South Wales. Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen expressed concern over the ongoing impact on residents still recovering from previous storms.
The persistent rain and landslides have disrupted recovery efforts, with nine roads closed, complicating access for clean-up crews.
In Queensland’s north-west, ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily continues to bring heavy rain, causing severe flooding.
Areas south of Cloncurry, including Seymour Gap and Kirby, have received significant rainfall, with some rural roads cut off and properties isolated. The BoM anticipates continued heavy rainfall, exacerbating the already severe conditions.