01 Feb 2019 | 01:03 AM UTC
Australia: Major flood warning issued in Townsville (Queensland) Feb. 1 /update 1
Officials issue a major flood warning in Townsville (Queensland state) as of 08:00 (local time) February 1 due to rising water levels along Ross and Bohle rivers
Event
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) issued a major flood warning for the Townsville metropolitan area (Queensland state) at 08:00 (local time) on Friday, February 1, as record water levels were recorded along the Ross and Bohle Rivers. Rainfall of up to 70 mm (2.7 in) per hour were observed on Friday morning in areas near the Ross, Bohle, and Black rivers as well as along Bluewater creek. Rising water levels on the Ross and Bohle rivers and continued flooding are to be expected as heavy rainfall is forecast through Sunday, February 3.
Meanwhile, several roads are closed throughout Townsville due to flooding and debris. The Townsville Local Disaster Management Group also indicated authorities have evacuated several people due flooding and landslips across the area, including in Wulguru and Hermit Park. The BOM is forecasting at least 400 mm (15.7 in) of rain to fall in the region over the coming days.
Advice
Individuals in Queensland are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate flooding and transportation disruptions, and remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater and chemical products; all items having come into contact with floodwater should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.
