Overstromingen in Australië
Widespread flood damage in Emerald
The extent of the flood devastation in the central Queensland town of Emerald is becoming clearer with 240 homes found to be swamped by water, and another 80 homes have had minimal water damage. The taskforce survey has confirmed residents' fears that more houses had been inundated.
Emerald Mayor Peter Maguire says numerous businesses are also under water.
The shopping centre, there's a daycare centre, businesses, and that's not including the ones in the shopping centre, he said. Residents will not be allowed back to their homes until at least the weekend with much of the town still surrounded by swollen creeks and rivers.
A man sleeps in the evacuation centre in the town hall of Emerald in central Queensland on January 23, 2008. About 2,700 residents have been evacuated from their homes as water inundated the town.
Authorities have not ruled out requesting help from the Army in the clean-up effort. Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ) says there is no concern about food or medication running out in western Queensland due to flood problems. There have been reports of food and fresh milk supplies running low, with freight delays due to flood-affected roads and rail lines. But EMQ's Mick Thomson says that is not the case.
"There are processes in place," he said.
"It's a matter of the processes being activated by local government or authorities once they're aware of the situation, and so we definitely won't be seeing people starving and missing out on the basic essentials that they need to survive.
"The process just needs to be activated so they can get the supplies through."
©abc | Gewijzigd: 24 april 2017, 10:44 uur, door Joyce.s
The extent of the flood devastation in the central Queensland town of Emerald is becoming clearer with 240 homes found to be swamped by water, and another 80 homes have had minimal water damage. The taskforce survey has confirmed residents' fears that more houses had been inundated.
Emerald Mayor Peter Maguire says numerous businesses are also under water.
The shopping centre, there's a daycare centre, businesses, and that's not including the ones in the shopping centre, he said. Residents will not be allowed back to their homes until at least the weekend with much of the town still surrounded by swollen creeks and rivers.
A man sleeps in the evacuation centre in the town hall of Emerald in central Queensland on January 23, 2008. About 2,700 residents have been evacuated from their homes as water inundated the town.
Authorities have not ruled out requesting help from the Army in the clean-up effort. Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ) says there is no concern about food or medication running out in western Queensland due to flood problems. There have been reports of food and fresh milk supplies running low, with freight delays due to flood-affected roads and rail lines. But EMQ's Mick Thomson says that is not the case.
"There are processes in place," he said.
"It's a matter of the processes being activated by local government or authorities once they're aware of the situation, and so we definitely won't be seeing people starving and missing out on the basic essentials that they need to survive.
"The process just needs to be activated so they can get the supplies through."
©abc | Gewijzigd: 24 april 2017, 10:44 uur, door Joyce.s
Looting reported in flood-ravaged Emerald
Police are investigating several cases of looting in the flood-affected town of Emerald, in central Queensland. Fifteen units that were evacuated are believed to have been broken into since Tuesday, but so far there has only been five official complaints received.
However, police say there could be more complaints as residents return to their homes. Police are increasing patrols around Emerald and are encouraging residents to keep an eye on the neighbourhood. They say any suspicious behaviour should be reported.
Police say there could be more complaints as residents return to their homes.
It comes as the clean-up in the town begins, with hundreds of residents allowed to return to their homes as floodwaters slowly recede. More than 100 homes have been so badly damaged that many will need safety and structural checks before residents are allowed back in.
A disaster relief fund has been started by the State Government, which has made an initial contribution of $100,000. The Federal Government is also offering more financial assistance to people and businesses affected by the floods.
There will be a one-off payment of $1,000 for adults and $400 for children whose homes have been seriously damaged by floodwaters.
Grants of up to $10,000 and $25,000 will be available to help some small and home-based businesses, including farmers.
©abc | Gewijzigd: 24 april 2017, 10:44 uur, door Joyce.s
Police are investigating several cases of looting in the flood-affected town of Emerald, in central Queensland. Fifteen units that were evacuated are believed to have been broken into since Tuesday, but so far there has only been five official complaints received.
However, police say there could be more complaints as residents return to their homes. Police are increasing patrols around Emerald and are encouraging residents to keep an eye on the neighbourhood. They say any suspicious behaviour should be reported.
Police say there could be more complaints as residents return to their homes.
It comes as the clean-up in the town begins, with hundreds of residents allowed to return to their homes as floodwaters slowly recede. More than 100 homes have been so badly damaged that many will need safety and structural checks before residents are allowed back in.
A disaster relief fund has been started by the State Government, which has made an initial contribution of $100,000. The Federal Government is also offering more financial assistance to people and businesses affected by the floods.
There will be a one-off payment of $1,000 for adults and $400 for children whose homes have been seriously damaged by floodwaters.
Grants of up to $10,000 and $25,000 will be available to help some small and home-based businesses, including farmers.
©abc | Gewijzigd: 24 april 2017, 10:44 uur, door Joyce.s
Murray irrigators await floodwaters from Qld
While Emerald residents will be happy to see the water level fall, drought-affected communities along the Darling River can't wait for the water to arrive. A huge water surge has already got the river flowing again in the far-west New South Wales town of Wilcannia. Today Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced increased financial assistance to help families hit by the severe flooding, with concessional loans of up to $150,000 now available, funded by the Federal and State Governments.
While floodwaters are receding in Emerald, some of that is now surging down the Darling River, causing great excitement in the communities that rely on the system to survive. Broken Hill resident and the treasurer of the Darling River Action Group, Marie Wecker, says the water flows have lifted people's spirits after years of drought.
It could take weeks before Murray irrigators see a clear picture of the water situation.
The Darling River at Wilcannia is almost up to the bridge - I mean that river has been totally dry for a long time - and that was probably one of the best things I've seen for a while, she said.
But on our Menindee Lakes, we're seeing Wetherell almost full now. They're starting to let water go into Pamamaroo. Wetherell is Broken Hill's water supply. But also, the Menindee Lakes also are of a huge benefit to Adelaide and the lower Murray. So it would take the pressure off Adelaide as well.
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©abc
| Gewijzigd: 24 april 2017, 10:44 uur, door Joyce.s
While Emerald residents will be happy to see the water level fall, drought-affected communities along the Darling River can't wait for the water to arrive. A huge water surge has already got the river flowing again in the far-west New South Wales town of Wilcannia. Today Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced increased financial assistance to help families hit by the severe flooding, with concessional loans of up to $150,000 now available, funded by the Federal and State Governments.
While floodwaters are receding in Emerald, some of that is now surging down the Darling River, causing great excitement in the communities that rely on the system to survive. Broken Hill resident and the treasurer of the Darling River Action Group, Marie Wecker, says the water flows have lifted people's spirits after years of drought.
It could take weeks before Murray irrigators see a clear picture of the water situation.
The Darling River at Wilcannia is almost up to the bridge - I mean that river has been totally dry for a long time - and that was probably one of the best things I've seen for a while, she said.
But on our Menindee Lakes, we're seeing Wetherell almost full now. They're starting to let water go into Pamamaroo. Wetherell is Broken Hill's water supply. But also, the Menindee Lakes also are of a huge benefit to Adelaide and the lower Murray. So it would take the pressure off Adelaide as well.
Klik hier voor het hele artikel
©abc
| Gewijzigd: 24 april 2017, 10:44 uur, door Joyce.s
Qld farmers count cost from severe flooding
The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) says damage from Queensland's floods may cost farmers up to $100 million.The DPI has made the estimate after surveying properties from the air and consulting with primary producers. Damage to crops alone could top $30 million, while fences have been swept away, farm equipment destroyed, and livestock lost.
Queensland DPI Minister Tim Mulherin says it will take some time for farmers to recover. In the broadacre agriculture area there's extensive reconstruction that will be required of farms; laser levelling, levee banks, irrigation systems, he said.
On cattle properties there'll be need to rebuild ring tanks, watering points, fences. So I'll be working with my federal counterpart along with industry groups to look at how we can assist. Already the State and Federal Governments have come to the assistance with army helicopters to be there from Saturday for four days to drop fodder to isolated properties.
While it may be hard to imagine right now Mr Mulherin says there is a positive side to Queensland's floods. He says in the long term the flooding and rain will mean better pastures and good conditions for late summer and winter crops.
He says the estimated benefit could be $240 million over the next two years.
©abc
The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) says damage from Queensland's floods may cost farmers up to $100 million.The DPI has made the estimate after surveying properties from the air and consulting with primary producers. Damage to crops alone could top $30 million, while fences have been swept away, farm equipment destroyed, and livestock lost.
Queensland DPI Minister Tim Mulherin says it will take some time for farmers to recover. In the broadacre agriculture area there's extensive reconstruction that will be required of farms; laser levelling, levee banks, irrigation systems, he said.
On cattle properties there'll be need to rebuild ring tanks, watering points, fences. So I'll be working with my federal counterpart along with industry groups to look at how we can assist. Already the State and Federal Governments have come to the assistance with army helicopters to be there from Saturday for four days to drop fodder to isolated properties.
While it may be hard to imagine right now Mr Mulherin says there is a positive side to Queensland's floods. He says in the long term the flooding and rain will mean better pastures and good conditions for late summer and winter crops.
He says the estimated benefit could be $240 million over the next two years.
©abc
Introduction
Eastern Australia is slowly recovering after the worst floods in decades. Jenny Nolan lives in a remote village in New South Wales and lost most of her belongings as a wall of water gushed through her home. Here she tells how a community that has coped with severe drought for years pulled together in the face of a deluge.
Rural community
I live in a remote, rural village called Chillingham. With a population of about 200, it's a really small place. Around here there are a lot of banana growers, cattle farmers, electricians and plumbers. It's quite laid back - usually. To get to the closest town you drive through endless horse and cow paddocks. We haven't had any rain for the past four years so when the floods came it was unexpected and dramatic.
Drought to deluge
We've been dealing with the opposite problem for quite some time. The drought has hit people hard around here, particularly the cattle farmers. People were having to hand-feed sweet potatoes to the cows to keep them alive. There was absolutely no warning of the flood. People were literally stranded. Our little community didn't have time to prepare because the rain came so suddenly and caused immediate chaos.
Mud carpet
It happened late at night. We were just sitting in the house listening to the rain. Next thing there was water pouring through the back door and we couldn't get out. A wall of water came down on us. Our house is still standing but doors were ripped off their hinges. It was just murky river water and when it finally receded the mud and silt were pasted thickly throughout our land and our house.
High watermark
I'm demonstrating how high the water was outside. We had no idea. My husband got stuck in the laundry room and couldn't get out. My son had to get him out of there before he drowned. Looking back, we probably should have been more frightened than we were at the time. But we were calm.
Destruction
Our shed was completely destroyed. We lost our cars. Most of our furniture has had to be dispensed with. The devastation surrounding us has been immense. Bridges were destroyed, roadsides were littered with debris, people have lost livestock and that affects livelihoods. Tarmac was ripped up from roads. This has been declared a disaster area.
Pulling together
Furniture that could not be salvaged has been dumped outside. Many people have lost everything. But our community has really pulled together throughout this crisis. The fire department came and hosed down our house. Afterwards about 30 people came to sweep and hose the mud out. Strangers, people I had never seen before, came and scrubbed my walls for hours. They cleaned every single thing. It was remarkable.
Kindness of strangers
I've had people donating money to us because they knew we lost so much. Yeterday, someone gave us a fridge and somebody else gave us a brand new washing machine. We moved into our neighbour's house for 10 days. Strangers came and took all our muddy clothes away and brought them back washed. People were bringing us food as well. Everybody had heard about our disaster.
Community protection
After a flood, reptiles can be found in places they shouldn't be. There are a lot of snakes and they can be deadly so you have to be careful. But one thing I've learned is that people hereabouts really look out for each other. I have been amazed by the generosity of people. Everybody is talking to one another much more. The floods were a nightmare but they have really enhanced our sense of community. We feel more protected now, knowing this.
Bron: BBC | Gewijzigd: 24 april 2017, 10:45 uur, door Joyce.s
Eastern Australia is slowly recovering after the worst floods in decades. Jenny Nolan lives in a remote village in New South Wales and lost most of her belongings as a wall of water gushed through her home. Here she tells how a community that has coped with severe drought for years pulled together in the face of a deluge.
Rural community
I live in a remote, rural village called Chillingham. With a population of about 200, it's a really small place. Around here there are a lot of banana growers, cattle farmers, electricians and plumbers. It's quite laid back - usually. To get to the closest town you drive through endless horse and cow paddocks. We haven't had any rain for the past four years so when the floods came it was unexpected and dramatic.
Drought to deluge
We've been dealing with the opposite problem for quite some time. The drought has hit people hard around here, particularly the cattle farmers. People were having to hand-feed sweet potatoes to the cows to keep them alive. There was absolutely no warning of the flood. People were literally stranded. Our little community didn't have time to prepare because the rain came so suddenly and caused immediate chaos.
Mud carpet
It happened late at night. We were just sitting in the house listening to the rain. Next thing there was water pouring through the back door and we couldn't get out. A wall of water came down on us. Our house is still standing but doors were ripped off their hinges. It was just murky river water and when it finally receded the mud and silt were pasted thickly throughout our land and our house.
High watermark
I'm demonstrating how high the water was outside. We had no idea. My husband got stuck in the laundry room and couldn't get out. My son had to get him out of there before he drowned. Looking back, we probably should have been more frightened than we were at the time. But we were calm.
Destruction
Our shed was completely destroyed. We lost our cars. Most of our furniture has had to be dispensed with. The devastation surrounding us has been immense. Bridges were destroyed, roadsides were littered with debris, people have lost livestock and that affects livelihoods. Tarmac was ripped up from roads. This has been declared a disaster area.
Pulling together
Furniture that could not be salvaged has been dumped outside. Many people have lost everything. But our community has really pulled together throughout this crisis. The fire department came and hosed down our house. Afterwards about 30 people came to sweep and hose the mud out. Strangers, people I had never seen before, came and scrubbed my walls for hours. They cleaned every single thing. It was remarkable.
Kindness of strangers
I've had people donating money to us because they knew we lost so much. Yeterday, someone gave us a fridge and somebody else gave us a brand new washing machine. We moved into our neighbour's house for 10 days. Strangers came and took all our muddy clothes away and brought them back washed. People were bringing us food as well. Everybody had heard about our disaster.
Community protection
After a flood, reptiles can be found in places they shouldn't be. There are a lot of snakes and they can be deadly so you have to be careful. But one thing I've learned is that people hereabouts really look out for each other. I have been amazed by the generosity of people. Everybody is talking to one another much more. The floods were a nightmare but they have really enhanced our sense of community. We feel more protected now, knowing this.
Bron: BBC | Gewijzigd: 24 april 2017, 10:45 uur, door Joyce.s
Every cloud has a silver lining
Floods cut off properties near Rockhampton
Steadily rising floodwaters have begun to cut off roads and isolate properties in Queensland's Livingston Shire, north of Rockhampton. Livingston Shire Mayor Bill Ludwig says the swollen Fitzroy River has cut off roads and isolated about 15 properties between Yaamba and Nerimbera.
There is a metre of water over the Belmont Creek Bridge and the Ramsay Creek Bridge is due to go under tonight. Floodwaters are expected to cut off properties on Etna Creek and Lindleys Road by tomorrow night. Mr Ludwig says the council and SES are monitoring river levels closely.
Everybody's safe and happy to be locked in there at the moment. We are expecting the Ramsay Creek Bridge to go out tonight and progressively other roads and small pockets of our community will become cut off. But he says some residents are preparing to evacuate if necessary.
In Yaamba we do anticipate at least one residence to go under and we're keeping a close eye on another four. Certainly we'll be providing support if people find themselves in hardship, but at the moment everybody's indicated if they have to relocate they have friends and family to go and stay with.
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©abc
Steadily rising floodwaters have begun to cut off roads and isolate properties in Queensland's Livingston Shire, north of Rockhampton. Livingston Shire Mayor Bill Ludwig says the swollen Fitzroy River has cut off roads and isolated about 15 properties between Yaamba and Nerimbera.
There is a metre of water over the Belmont Creek Bridge and the Ramsay Creek Bridge is due to go under tonight. Floodwaters are expected to cut off properties on Etna Creek and Lindleys Road by tomorrow night. Mr Ludwig says the council and SES are monitoring river levels closely.
Everybody's safe and happy to be locked in there at the moment. We are expecting the Ramsay Creek Bridge to go out tonight and progressively other roads and small pockets of our community will become cut off. But he says some residents are preparing to evacuate if necessary.
In Yaamba we do anticipate at least one residence to go under and we're keeping a close eye on another four. Certainly we'll be providing support if people find themselves in hardship, but at the moment everybody's indicated if they have to relocate they have friends and family to go and stay with.
Klik hier voor het hele artikel
©abc
Emerald floodwaters to 'prolong' Rocky peak
he weather bureau says floodwaters moving east from Emerald could prolong flooding in the central Queensland city of Rockhampton. Hydrologist Peter Baddley says the Fitzroy River is due to peak at eight metres in Rockhampton on Wednesday.
He says the level could hold at about seven metres until next weekend. Mr Baddley says the Fitzroy River peaked in the Riversleigh area, north of Rockhampton, over the weekend but the Emerald flood waters will not arrive until next week.
"The Emerald flood waters are not going to cause any second peaks at Rocky," he said.
"They're going to arrive later the next week through Rockhampton, but all they're going to do is maintain and prolong some flooding at lower levels in Rockhampton."
©abc
he weather bureau says floodwaters moving east from Emerald could prolong flooding in the central Queensland city of Rockhampton. Hydrologist Peter Baddley says the Fitzroy River is due to peak at eight metres in Rockhampton on Wednesday.
He says the level could hold at about seven metres until next weekend. Mr Baddley says the Fitzroy River peaked in the Riversleigh area, north of Rockhampton, over the weekend but the Emerald flood waters will not arrive until next week.
"The Emerald flood waters are not going to cause any second peaks at Rocky," he said.
"They're going to arrive later the next week through Rockhampton, but all they're going to do is maintain and prolong some flooding at lower levels in Rockhampton."
©abc
Rockhampton's Fitzroy River set to peak tonight
Up to 150 homes in Rockhampton are expected to have minimal water inundation when the Fitzroy River peaks tonight. About 40 homes have been cut off by floodwaters in Rockhampton and neighbouring Livingstone Shire but only a handful of people have chosen to leave their homes.
Rockhampton Mayor Margaret Strelow says the impact from floods has been minimal. I know there has been a lot of hype and we have watched this river for many years now, she said.
Most Rockhampton people would have been putting their money on eight metres. We look like we will come in just under that. For the most part we have enjoyed stunning weather, and there will be a bout 100 to 150 homes which will have wet feet at that 7.8 metre level.
©abc
Up to 150 homes in Rockhampton are expected to have minimal water inundation when the Fitzroy River peaks tonight. About 40 homes have been cut off by floodwaters in Rockhampton and neighbouring Livingstone Shire but only a handful of people have chosen to leave their homes.
Rockhampton Mayor Margaret Strelow says the impact from floods has been minimal. I know there has been a lot of hype and we have watched this river for many years now, she said.
Most Rockhampton people would have been putting their money on eight metres. We look like we will come in just under that. For the most part we have enjoyed stunning weather, and there will be a bout 100 to 150 homes which will have wet feet at that 7.8 metre level.
©abc
Brisbane residents prepare for flooding
Emergency services are preparing residents on Brisbane's bay side for the possibility of flooding overnight. Several homes were inundated by water after a heavy downpour caused flashing flooding in the suburbs of Gumdale, Birkdale and Wakerley.
Brisbane SES controller Jeff Cheatle says the weather bureau is forecasting more heavy rainfall over Brisbane tonight and 80 residents have been placed on standby. That's just in preparation for overnight, he said.
"If we notice that there's more rainfall which results in further flash flooding, we can contact those residents directly if we feel that evacuation arrangements need to be put in place."
©abc
Emergency services are preparing residents on Brisbane's bay side for the possibility of flooding overnight. Several homes were inundated by water after a heavy downpour caused flashing flooding in the suburbs of Gumdale, Birkdale and Wakerley.
Brisbane SES controller Jeff Cheatle says the weather bureau is forecasting more heavy rainfall over Brisbane tonight and 80 residents have been placed on standby. That's just in preparation for overnight, he said.
"If we notice that there's more rainfall which results in further flash flooding, we can contact those residents directly if we feel that evacuation arrangements need to be put in place."
©abc
Severe weather warning issued for south east Qld
In Queensland, the Weather Bureau has issued a severe weather warning for the Maranoa, Darling Downs and the south east Coast districts. Heavy rain over the weekend and overnight caused flash flooding and traffic chaos across Brisbane.
Overnight, the State Emergency Service was monitoring around 80 homes at risk of flooding in south east Queensland. The Bureau's senior forecaster Geoff Doueal is predicting more heavy rainfall for Brisbane's three major dams this week. Generally speaking, over the next few days the rain is forecast to be over the dams area, and I think by Thursday this week it will have added up and quite a few hundreds of millimetres will have fallen, he said.
Meanwhile, two people were rescued from flood waters in separate incidents on the Gold Coast last night. At about 7:30pm, emergency crews helped a man who was trapped on the roof of his partially submerged car on a causeway at Clargiraba. Crews were called to a similar incident about two hours later at Maudsland, and rescued a woman from the roof of her car.
Gold Coast SES controller Peter Linnell says volunteers have been kept busy. We had a fairly full on day all day not just last night, we had over 61 jobs that came in for the duration, they were scattered all up from the northern end to the southern end of the Gold Coast, he said.
We suffered from a lot of roof leaks, a lot of run off water going into properties and we certainly had some swollen creeks last night that burst their banks.
©abc
In Queensland, the Weather Bureau has issued a severe weather warning for the Maranoa, Darling Downs and the south east Coast districts. Heavy rain over the weekend and overnight caused flash flooding and traffic chaos across Brisbane.
Overnight, the State Emergency Service was monitoring around 80 homes at risk of flooding in south east Queensland. The Bureau's senior forecaster Geoff Doueal is predicting more heavy rainfall for Brisbane's three major dams this week. Generally speaking, over the next few days the rain is forecast to be over the dams area, and I think by Thursday this week it will have added up and quite a few hundreds of millimetres will have fallen, he said.
Meanwhile, two people were rescued from flood waters in separate incidents on the Gold Coast last night. At about 7:30pm, emergency crews helped a man who was trapped on the roof of his partially submerged car on a causeway at Clargiraba. Crews were called to a similar incident about two hours later at Maudsland, and rescued a woman from the roof of her car.
Gold Coast SES controller Peter Linnell says volunteers have been kept busy. We had a fairly full on day all day not just last night, we had over 61 jobs that came in for the duration, they were scattered all up from the northern end to the southern end of the Gold Coast, he said.
We suffered from a lot of roof leaks, a lot of run off water going into properties and we certainly had some swollen creeks last night that burst their banks.
©abc
More rain predicted for south-east Qld
Up to 300 millimetres of rain have been recorded in areas across south-east Queensland overnight, with the weather bureau forecasting more rain and possible flooding. Canungra received 245 millimetres of rain, Hinze Dam recorded 223mm, and there were falls of 165mm at Upper Springbrook and Mt Tamborine.
The bureau's Geoff Callaghan says rain is forecast to continue in the south east until at least Wednesday, and says motorists should take care at flooded creek crossings. Heavy rain is also forecast for the Somerset, Wivenhoe and North Pine dam catchment areas. The flood risk eased in Brisbane overnight, with no homes evacuated.
About 80 Bayside homes were being monitored after flash flooding yesterday closed roads and inundated three houses. Two people have been rescued on the Gold Coast, and emergency crews have responded to dozens of calls for help. The bureau says river levels have fallen but a number of roads are still cut in the Gold Coast region.
SES volunteers have been kept busy responding to more than 60 calls for help. There was flash flooding overnight on the Darling Downs, with some farmers knee-deep in water after years of drought. West of Toowoomba at Hanaford, Geoff Donaldson says he has had nearly 300mm since 6:00pm last night. About a mile to the north its just a sheet of water, he said. I reckon there's a lot more water to come down.
©abc
Up to 300 millimetres of rain have been recorded in areas across south-east Queensland overnight, with the weather bureau forecasting more rain and possible flooding. Canungra received 245 millimetres of rain, Hinze Dam recorded 223mm, and there were falls of 165mm at Upper Springbrook and Mt Tamborine.
The bureau's Geoff Callaghan says rain is forecast to continue in the south east until at least Wednesday, and says motorists should take care at flooded creek crossings. Heavy rain is also forecast for the Somerset, Wivenhoe and North Pine dam catchment areas. The flood risk eased in Brisbane overnight, with no homes evacuated.
About 80 Bayside homes were being monitored after flash flooding yesterday closed roads and inundated three houses. Two people have been rescued on the Gold Coast, and emergency crews have responded to dozens of calls for help. The bureau says river levels have fallen but a number of roads are still cut in the Gold Coast region.
SES volunteers have been kept busy responding to more than 60 calls for help. There was flash flooding overnight on the Darling Downs, with some farmers knee-deep in water after years of drought. West of Toowoomba at Hanaford, Geoff Donaldson says he has had nearly 300mm since 6:00pm last night. About a mile to the north its just a sheet of water, he said. I reckon there's a lot more water to come down.
©abc
Downpour creates Darling Downs flooding
There is flash flooding in parts of the Darling Downs, in southern Queensland, with some properties at Hanaford drenched by 278 millimetres overnight.
At the junction of Hayes Creek and the Moonee River, Carol Donaldson says they have had more than 279mm, and there will be a lot of water flowing down the river. At another Hanaford property, Carol Wilson says there was 235mm in a six hour period and it is still raining.
There is flooding in the house and we won't be able to get out for a little while, she said.
"There'll probably be a lot of soil washed away in the paddocks, but we can't see too much at the moment."
©abc
There is flash flooding in parts of the Darling Downs, in southern Queensland, with some properties at Hanaford drenched by 278 millimetres overnight.
At the junction of Hayes Creek and the Moonee River, Carol Donaldson says they have had more than 279mm, and there will be a lot of water flowing down the river. At another Hanaford property, Carol Wilson says there was 235mm in a six hour period and it is still raining.
There is flooding in the house and we won't be able to get out for a little while, she said.
"There'll probably be a lot of soil washed away in the paddocks, but we can't see too much at the moment."
©abc
Stroms, flash floods spark calls to SES
The Victorian SES has had about 60 calls for help from people affected by the thunderstorms around the Sunbury and Gisborne areas this afternoon. A childcare centre at Sunbury was isolated by flash flooding, while a house was struck by lightning at Ardeer.
The tiles have come off and there is a hole in the roof. The weather bureau says the stormy weather is now being felt around Ballarat, Kilmore and the La Trobe Valley. Senior forecaster Terry Ryan says there could be flash flooding in those regions.
"We've had up to 30 millimetres near some of those storms, where we've had rain gauges obviously recording them," he said.
"There's nothing in the Melbourne metropolitan area, but we are surrounded by areas of thunderstorms and I think they'll be continuing for a few hours."
©abc
The Victorian SES has had about 60 calls for help from people affected by the thunderstorms around the Sunbury and Gisborne areas this afternoon. A childcare centre at Sunbury was isolated by flash flooding, while a house was struck by lightning at Ardeer.
The tiles have come off and there is a hole in the roof. The weather bureau says the stormy weather is now being felt around Ballarat, Kilmore and the La Trobe Valley. Senior forecaster Terry Ryan says there could be flash flooding in those regions.
"We've had up to 30 millimetres near some of those storms, where we've had rain gauges obviously recording them," he said.
"There's nothing in the Melbourne metropolitan area, but we are surrounded by areas of thunderstorms and I think they'll be continuing for a few hours."
©abc
Flash floods damage homes, cut roads
Heavy rain and flash flooding in Sydney and the Illawarra has kept State Emergency Service (SES) crews busy and forced the closure of a number of roads overnight. The flash flooding has virtually isolated the Wollongong suburb of Horsley, and forced the evacuation of 50 residents from a retirement home at Austral in Sydney's south-west.
SES crews responded to about 140 calls for help, mainly for flooded houses and leaking roofs in Sydney's south-west and west. SES spokesman David Webber says for some residents, it was the fifth time they have had to call for help since December.
The main area where we're seeing those calls come from are from Bankstown, Liverpool and Fairfield and in our western region in Blacktown, he said. A lot of those calls are recalls from people who have sustained damage from previous storms, so we get a lot of recalls out from Blacktown.
Mr Webber says volunteers have been working through the night to help people keep their homes safe and dry. Most of the calls that we're receiving from people are water inundation, roof damage and tree jobs, he said. We are getting some reports of flash flooding around areas of Sydney, but we have also heard that roads have been cut of inundated by water as well.
The rain has also affected trains on the southern line, with passengers heading to the city experiencing 30 minute delays.
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Heavy rain and flash flooding in Sydney and the Illawarra has kept State Emergency Service (SES) crews busy and forced the closure of a number of roads overnight. The flash flooding has virtually isolated the Wollongong suburb of Horsley, and forced the evacuation of 50 residents from a retirement home at Austral in Sydney's south-west.
SES crews responded to about 140 calls for help, mainly for flooded houses and leaking roofs in Sydney's south-west and west. SES spokesman David Webber says for some residents, it was the fifth time they have had to call for help since December.
The main area where we're seeing those calls come from are from Bankstown, Liverpool and Fairfield and in our western region in Blacktown, he said. A lot of those calls are recalls from people who have sustained damage from previous storms, so we get a lot of recalls out from Blacktown.
Mr Webber says volunteers have been working through the night to help people keep their homes safe and dry. Most of the calls that we're receiving from people are water inundation, roof damage and tree jobs, he said. We are getting some reports of flash flooding around areas of Sydney, but we have also heard that roads have been cut of inundated by water as well.
The rain has also affected trains on the southern line, with passengers heading to the city experiencing 30 minute delays.
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Murray to drop despite Qld floods: report
The latest report on water storage in the Murray system warns that river levels are likely to be lower than last year, despite recent flooding in Queensland.
The report says there is a 75 per cent chance there will be less water in the system in June this year, compared with a year earlier.
Queensland flooding will not give the Murray in the southern states the boost it desperately needs, says a report.
The states will implement contingency measures to ensure that Adelaide and towns relying on the Murray have enough drinking water for the next two years.
Climate Change Minister Penny Wong says the situation in the Murray-Basin remains very serious and the area is a long way from getting back to normal.
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The latest report on water storage in the Murray system warns that river levels are likely to be lower than last year, despite recent flooding in Queensland.
The report says there is a 75 per cent chance there will be less water in the system in June this year, compared with a year earlier.
Queensland flooding will not give the Murray in the southern states the boost it desperately needs, says a report.
The states will implement contingency measures to ensure that Adelaide and towns relying on the Murray have enough drinking water for the next two years.
Climate Change Minister Penny Wong says the situation in the Murray-Basin remains very serious and the area is a long way from getting back to normal.
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Heavy falls increase flood risk in central Qld
More flooding is expected as a monsoonal trough moves north across the central Queensland coast.
Several centres including Gladstone, Miriam Vale and the town of 1770 have had falls of more than 120 millimetres in the 24 hours to nine o'clock this morning.
Weather bureau spokesperson Gavin Holcombe says the system is likely to bring heavy falls later today and into tomorrow from St Lawrence north to Mackay.
"Given the fact a lot of those streams and creeks and rivers along that section of coast have already had plenty of rain over the last couple of weeks any further rain will only exacerbate the situation and flooding is a likely scenario," he said.
©abc | Gewijzigd: 24 april 2017, 10:45 uur, door Joyce.s
More flooding is expected as a monsoonal trough moves north across the central Queensland coast.
Several centres including Gladstone, Miriam Vale and the town of 1770 have had falls of more than 120 millimetres in the 24 hours to nine o'clock this morning.
Weather bureau spokesperson Gavin Holcombe says the system is likely to bring heavy falls later today and into tomorrow from St Lawrence north to Mackay.
"Given the fact a lot of those streams and creeks and rivers along that section of coast have already had plenty of rain over the last couple of weeks any further rain will only exacerbate the situation and flooding is a likely scenario," he said.
©abc | Gewijzigd: 24 april 2017, 10:45 uur, door Joyce.s
Torrential rains swamp central Qld
Flash flooding is causing chaos in central and north Queensland this morning with downpours of hundreds of millimetres an hour. The weather bureau says that in the past few hours the Mackay region has received torrential rain, with Gooseponds recording 134 millimetres, 127 in central Mackay and 104 at Hospital Bridge. Roads and bridges are flooded, many people are trapped inside their homes and businesses and schools are expected to be closed today.
Weather bureau spokesman Geoff Perkins says more falls are forecast. To get a major flood you'd have to have really heavy rainfall that we've got around Mackay move up the catchment to get a lot more water in the river, he said. At this stage it looks like the rainfall will remain very coastal, but at this stage we're watching it very carefully.
Bureau spokesman Geoff Doueal says flooding is already over the Hospital Bridge in Mackay, with river heights continuing to rise. Given there's still heavy falls there, the hydrology people are monitoring the situation very closely, he said.
"The rain will continue through today. The monsoon trough will probably drift a little bit further north to the Herbert Burdekin area over the weekend, but still some rain in the Mackay area and at the start of next week we may even see further heavy falls around the area."
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Flash flooding is causing chaos in central and north Queensland this morning with downpours of hundreds of millimetres an hour. The weather bureau says that in the past few hours the Mackay region has received torrential rain, with Gooseponds recording 134 millimetres, 127 in central Mackay and 104 at Hospital Bridge. Roads and bridges are flooded, many people are trapped inside their homes and businesses and schools are expected to be closed today.
Weather bureau spokesman Geoff Perkins says more falls are forecast. To get a major flood you'd have to have really heavy rainfall that we've got around Mackay move up the catchment to get a lot more water in the river, he said. At this stage it looks like the rainfall will remain very coastal, but at this stage we're watching it very carefully.
Bureau spokesman Geoff Doueal says flooding is already over the Hospital Bridge in Mackay, with river heights continuing to rise. Given there's still heavy falls there, the hydrology people are monitoring the situation very closely, he said.
"The rain will continue through today. The monsoon trough will probably drift a little bit further north to the Herbert Burdekin area over the weekend, but still some rain in the Mackay area and at the start of next week we may even see further heavy falls around the area."
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Sodden Mackay declared a disaster area
MACKAY in central Queensland has been declared a disaster zone in the wake of torrential rain and widespread flooding. The weather bureau is describing the flood as the worst to hit the city in 20 years. A record 625mm of rain fell in the 24 hours to 9am today, which smashed the average monthly readings of 300mm to 350mm. Schools, businesses and roads have been closed because of the deluge, with about 200 homes being evacuated. Flooding has closed the airport and has affected telecommunications in the area. There have been reports of residents with driveways waist-deep in water and the rain looks set to continue, at least into the afternoon. Mackay Mayor Julie Boyd described the situation as "dire" and said there was a "sea of water" across the city, an unprecedented sight. Weather bureau senior meteorologist Vikash Prasad said a record breaking 625mm fell in the 24 hours to 9am (AEST) today.
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Bron: the Australian
Two Mackay residents paddle down the appropriately named River Street in Mackay.
Bron: ABC News | Gewijzigd: 24 april 2017, 10:45 uur, door Joyce.s
MACKAY in central Queensland has been declared a disaster zone in the wake of torrential rain and widespread flooding. The weather bureau is describing the flood as the worst to hit the city in 20 years. A record 625mm of rain fell in the 24 hours to 9am today, which smashed the average monthly readings of 300mm to 350mm. Schools, businesses and roads have been closed because of the deluge, with about 200 homes being evacuated. Flooding has closed the airport and has affected telecommunications in the area. There have been reports of residents with driveways waist-deep in water and the rain looks set to continue, at least into the afternoon. Mackay Mayor Julie Boyd described the situation as "dire" and said there was a "sea of water" across the city, an unprecedented sight. Weather bureau senior meteorologist Vikash Prasad said a record breaking 625mm fell in the 24 hours to 9am (AEST) today.
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Bron: the Australian
Two Mackay residents paddle down the appropriately named River Street in Mackay.
Bron: ABC News | Gewijzigd: 24 april 2017, 10:45 uur, door Joyce.s
Every cloud has a silver lining
Flooded Australian city warned of crocodiles: report
SYDNEY (AFP) - - Residents of a flooded city in Australia have been warned to beware of crocodiles after the reptiles were sighted in the area, a report said Friday.
People in Mackay on the northeast coast should not wade through the murky floodwaters and those using boats should not dangle legs or arms in the water, an official told the national AAP news agency. "If they become close to a crocodile don't chase it or provoke it because they will lose," said Environmental Protection Agency spokesman Joe Adair. Mackay was declared a disaster area on Friday after it was deluged with twice its usual monthly rainfall in one day and officials said up to 1,000 people may need to be evacuated. It would not be surprising to see crocodiles moving around the floodwaters, Adair said. "It's quite likely. I mean it's crocodile habitat up there, as is anywhere in central Queensland north of Gladstone.
"Crocodiles are along the coast in the estuary systems and waters all the way through and this time of year they're moving around. "The floodwaters certainly have the potential to move them and disperse them." They would move back to their normal habitats as the flood subsided, he said, urging concerned residents to report sightings to the agency. The torrential rain flooded homes and businesses and forced the closure of the airport, all schools and several roads.
Bron: Yahoo News Singapore
SYDNEY (AFP) - - Residents of a flooded city in Australia have been warned to beware of crocodiles after the reptiles were sighted in the area, a report said Friday.
People in Mackay on the northeast coast should not wade through the murky floodwaters and those using boats should not dangle legs or arms in the water, an official told the national AAP news agency. "If they become close to a crocodile don't chase it or provoke it because they will lose," said Environmental Protection Agency spokesman Joe Adair. Mackay was declared a disaster area on Friday after it was deluged with twice its usual monthly rainfall in one day and officials said up to 1,000 people may need to be evacuated. It would not be surprising to see crocodiles moving around the floodwaters, Adair said. "It's quite likely. I mean it's crocodile habitat up there, as is anywhere in central Queensland north of Gladstone.
"Crocodiles are along the coast in the estuary systems and waters all the way through and this time of year they're moving around. "The floodwaters certainly have the potential to move them and disperse them." They would move back to their normal habitats as the flood subsided, he said, urging concerned residents to report sightings to the agency. The torrential rain flooded homes and businesses and forced the closure of the airport, all schools and several roads.
Bron: Yahoo News Singapore
Every cloud has a silver lining
Floodwaters receding in Mackay
Floodwaters are receding after 2,000 homes were flooded around Mackay in north Queensland. The city received more than 600 millimetres of rain in six hours this morning, forcing the evacuation of up to 1,000 people. Roads, the airport and large parts of the CBD were flooded. Mackay's deputy Mayor Don Rolls says a high tide at 6:30pm AEST did not cause any more flooding.
Cr Rolls says people are now turning their attention to recovery. There are some residents who haven't been able to get back to their homes; they're being looked after, he said. There are some residents who haven't been able to get back to their homes; they're being looked after, he said.
The rest of it now is that the residents are helping each other and there's a lot of good cooperation happening amongst the people here in Mackay. Mayor Julie Boyd says it is too early to count the cost.
All I can say is that it's going to be huge, she said. The damage is going to be quite considerable. But John McIlwhan from the Mackay weather bureau office says more rain is expected tonight. We're still expecting upwards of 100 millimetres of rain in the next 24-hour period, he said.
An aerial view of the floodwaters in Mackay, taken from the CQ rescue helicopter.
Lucky escapes
Two people had a lucky escape after their car was swept off a causeway into floodwaters at Eton, south-west of Mackay. The pair managed to get out of the car before it was submerged but they were then swept downstream and had to swim to safety. In another incident, a mother and two babies were stuck in a car on a roundabout in rising floodwaters.
"The water had reached just below the door level when firefighters reached the scene they were able to rescue the woman and her two babies," said Emergency Management Queensland spokesman John Hall.
"They have all been taken now safely to an evacuation centre."
Mr Hall says people should avoid floodwaters. Emergency services are pleading with drivers in the area to please listen and not drive into floodwaters under any conditions, he said. They're not only putting themselves at risk but the rescue crews who are called on to help them.
©abc
| Gewijzigd: 24 april 2017, 10:45 uur, door Joyce.s
Floodwaters are receding after 2,000 homes were flooded around Mackay in north Queensland. The city received more than 600 millimetres of rain in six hours this morning, forcing the evacuation of up to 1,000 people. Roads, the airport and large parts of the CBD were flooded. Mackay's deputy Mayor Don Rolls says a high tide at 6:30pm AEST did not cause any more flooding.
Cr Rolls says people are now turning their attention to recovery. There are some residents who haven't been able to get back to their homes; they're being looked after, he said. There are some residents who haven't been able to get back to their homes; they're being looked after, he said.
The rest of it now is that the residents are helping each other and there's a lot of good cooperation happening amongst the people here in Mackay. Mayor Julie Boyd says it is too early to count the cost.
All I can say is that it's going to be huge, she said. The damage is going to be quite considerable. But John McIlwhan from the Mackay weather bureau office says more rain is expected tonight. We're still expecting upwards of 100 millimetres of rain in the next 24-hour period, he said.
An aerial view of the floodwaters in Mackay, taken from the CQ rescue helicopter.
Lucky escapes
Two people had a lucky escape after their car was swept off a causeway into floodwaters at Eton, south-west of Mackay. The pair managed to get out of the car before it was submerged but they were then swept downstream and had to swim to safety. In another incident, a mother and two babies were stuck in a car on a roundabout in rising floodwaters.
"The water had reached just below the door level when firefighters reached the scene they were able to rescue the woman and her two babies," said Emergency Management Queensland spokesman John Hall.
"They have all been taken now safely to an evacuation centre."
Mr Hall says people should avoid floodwaters. Emergency services are pleading with drivers in the area to please listen and not drive into floodwaters under any conditions, he said. They're not only putting themselves at risk but the rescue crews who are called on to help them.
©abc
| Gewijzigd: 24 april 2017, 10:45 uur, door Joyce.s
