13 Mar 2023 | 05:17 AM UTC
Australia: Flooding across parts of northern Northern Territory and far northern Queensland as of March 13 /update 2
Flooding across parts of northern Northern Territory and far northern Queensland, Australia, as of March 13. Evacuations ongoing.
Event
Flooding is ongoing across parts of the northern Northern Territory and far northern Queensland as of March 13. Authorities have evacuated almost 100 residents in Burketown and warned others to be ready due to rising river levels. Around 70 people have remained in the town with limited electricity. Authorities have warned that the area is likely infested with crocodiles and advised residents to stay out of floodwaters. At least 37 properties in the town are flooded, and water and sewage systems are cut off. Flooding has impacted Burketown Airport (BUC); emergency crews are using helicopters to evacuate people to Doomadgee Airport (DMD) before flying to Normanton or Mount Isa. Authorities have warned that it is unsafe to return, and the town could remain isolated for up to two weeks. Around 70 people in the Gregory region have also evacuated to higher ground. Floodwaters are starting to recede near Normanton, allowing supply vehicles to pass. Authorities have restored all phone services in the region. Rising river levels have cut off access to several remote communities in the Victoria Daly Region and far northwestern Queensland.
Further flooding is forecast over the area. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued major flood warnings for the lower Flinders and Albert rivers in Queensland. Further river rises are possible. Moderate flood warnings are also in effect for Eyre Creek as well as Georgina and Western River in Queensland, while flood warnings are in place for the Diamantina, Gilbert, Nicholson, Gregory, and Leichhardt rivers in Queensland. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger further flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.
Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and employees' inability to reach work sites. Electricity and telecommunications service disruptions are possible where significant flooding, strong winds, or landslides impact utility networks.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
