Australia: Flood warnings in Queensland, March 11

Event

Major flood warnings remain in place for areas across Queensland on Sunday, March 11, following heavy rainfall over the past several days. A disaster situation was declared across North Queensland on Friday, as rising water levels cut of major roads. Hundreds of houses have been flooded and schools have been forced to close.

While water levels are falling and no further rainfall is expected over the coming days, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology continues to issue major flood warnings for the Flinders, Herbert, Murray rivers. Moderate and minor flood warnings are in place for many other rivers in the region, including the Albert, Thomson, Tully, Norman, Gilbert, Leichardt, Nicholson, Cloncurry, Bulloo, Georgina, Moonie, Paroo, Warrego, Diamantina, Mulgrave and Russel rivers and Eyre Creek.

Context

Up to 60cm (23.6 in) of rain has fallen over the catchment since Thursday, March 8. Water levels across the area have peaked at levels similar to that seen during the February 2009 flooding, which resulted in widespread damage.

Advice

Individuals present in north Queensland are advised to follow any instructions issued by local authorities (e.g. possible evacuation orders), allow for additional travel time, and follow local weather forecasts and warning updates by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology.

Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock an adult over.