As the state premier, Steven Miles, declared a “serious weather emergency” in the wake of ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper, residents of far north Queensland were bracing for record-breaking flooding. On Sunday afternoon, Miles warned that flood levels in Cairns were expected to exceed the previous record of 1977, with “significant concerns” for many communities in the region. The 10-year-old girl who was struck by lightning in Beerwah on the Sunshine Coast during severe thunderstorms on Saturday remained in a critical condition in Queensland children’s hospital in Brisbane.
Heavy rainfall continued to batter towns, causing power outages and trapping some people in their homes. Emergency crews responded to calls, rescuing multiple people who had been stranded by the floods. Among those rescued were two men who had been trapped at Melonsby station in Cooktown for over 16 hours. A police spokesperson reported that both men were safe and well, and an evacuation was expected to take place when weather permits.
State Emergency Service crews responded to over 500 requests for help in the 24 hours leading up to Sunday midday, as authorities warned residents to expect continuous heavy rainfall for at least another day. “I have never seen rain like this,” said a Port Douglas resident, Sara Mulcahy. “Roads are flooded, we are cut off from Cairns, Mossman, and the interior. People are having to leave their homes in the low-lying parts.”
Queensland Flood closes AirportThe Queensland Fire and Emergency Services issued a warning after multiple people were rescued after deliberately driving into flood waters. The agency emphasized the dangers of entering floodwaters, not only for those doing so but also for emergency services who risk their lives to save others. An emergency alert was issued for Mossman on Sunday morning, warning residents to seek shelter at home or evacuate to the local high school.
As ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper edges its way towards the Northern Territory, residents in flooded far north Queensland are bracing for more rain. The Bureau of Meteorology has major flood warnings in place for several rivers and catchments, and authorities are urging people to stay in their homes and avoid driving unless they feel unsafe and need to get to a nearby evacuation center.
In response to the disaster, the state and federal governments have expanded their disaster assistance program, allowing more residents to apply for emergency payments and some councils to apply for reconstruction grants. As the situation evolves, residents are advised to remain vigilant and follow instructions from local authorities.