Australia: Severe flooding reported in Townsville (Queensland) February 2 /update 2

Event

Heavy rainfall and severe flooding have been reported in Queensland state in recent days as of Saturday, February 2, with the city of Townsville particularly affected. Authorities issued flood warnings for the region on Saturday morning (local time), urging residents to avoid traveling on flood-prone roads. Hundreds of homes have been affected by flooding in Townsville and some residents have been evacuated from the most heavily-hit areas. Some 5000 homes in low-lying areas are without power.

Further forecast rainfall is likely to exacerbate flooding in the Townsville drainage basin, with authorities warning that up to 20,000 homes in the region may be affected by flooding over the coming days. Rising water levels on the Ross and Bohle rivers and river-adjacent flooding are also to be expected. Consequent transportation disruptions and power outages are to be anticipated in affected areas.  

Advice

Individuals in Queensland state 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.