The desperate struggles of those living in Queensland’s north-west continue as the region grapples with the far-reaching impacts of record-breaking floods. In a bid to ensure the safety of vulnerable residents, authorities have announced plans to airlift elderly people from the outback town of Burketown, situated near the Gulf of Carpentaria, to the nearby city of Mount Isa.
Despite the nearby Albert River’s forecast to rise to a record flood level of 6.78 metres later in the day, with the possibility of further increases this weekend, the evacuation is considered a precautionary measure rather than a full-scale exodus. The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) has mobilized small helicopters and planes to transport the elderly residents to their new temporary home, where they will be provided with the necessary support and care.
Meanwhile, in the Indigenous community of Doomadgee, 10 elderly residents have been relocated from an aged care home to a nearby hospital as a proactive step, demonstrating the authorities’ commitment to safeguarding those most susceptible to the devastating effects of the floods.
In Burketown itself, essential supplies have been flown in from Cairns, with further resupply flights planned, ensuring the community remains well-equipped to weather the ongoing crisis. While stormwater is backing up nearby, as of Friday morning, the town itself remained remarkably dry, with the Nicholson River approaching its highest-ever recorded levels.
Cattle stations in the Nicholson and Gregory river catchment areas have also been evacuated, indicative of the widespread impact of the flooding. However, for some, the relentless rain has left them stranded, including a group of five at The Drovers Camp in Camooweal, situated approximately 200km west of Mount Isa.
Queensland FloodJosie Rowlands, a resident of The Drovers Camp, expressed gratitude for the rain, acknowledging its welcome relief from the prolonged dry spell. “It’s going to be good because we’re going to be at a point when we have no rain,” she said, reinforcing the notion that, despite the chaos caused by the floods, the region is in dire need of precipitation.
Major flood warnings have been issued for the Nicholson, Gregory, and Leichhardt rivers, with further rain predicted to drop potentially more than 100mm over the affected catchments. The lower Flinders River has also been placed under a major flood warning, with the Cloncurry River expected to reach a minor flood level of 3 metres by Friday night.
As the region navigates the uncertainty and chaos caused by the floods, officials and residents alike remain focused on finding a way to navigate the treacherous waters, working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of all those affected.