At least 6 people have now died in the floods in northern areas of New South Wales after heavy rainfall in the wake of ex Cyclone Debbie.
The rain also caused flooding in parts of Queensland, initially along the Whitsunday coast and later in south-eastern parts of the state. Over the last 24 hours, communities in the Rockhampton area have been bracing for major flooding as levels of the Fitzroy River increase.
New South Wales
The floods in New South Wales have been described as some of the worst in the area for over 40 years. Around 1,000 people are still isolated and 300 people evacuated from their homes. Damage estimates exceed $200 million.
Local media in Australia are reporting that 3 people, believed to be a mother and 2 children, died after their vehicle was dragged into a flooding river in Tumbulgum.
Three people are thought to have died in separate flood-related incidents in Murwillumbah. In the Hunter Valley, the body of a woman was found in a car which was swept off a causeway in Gungal.
1,000 Remain Isolated
New South Wales State Emergency Service (NSW SES) says that it is gradually moving from responding to severe flooding in the north east corner of New South Wales to a recovery effort.
Since the beginning of the flood event there have been 2776 flood related call-outs, including 488 flood rescues.
Approximately 1,000 people are still isolated in northern NSW. The majority are located in the lower Richmond River area. An Evacuation Order remains in place for Tumbulgum, affecting approximately 330 people.
Queensland Awaits Flooding from Fitzroy River
Meanwhile in Queensland, the town of Rockhampton the next to brace for flooding. Levels of the Fitzroy River have increased rapidly over the last 24 hours as the heavy rainfall that fell in the Fitzroy basin – the river catchment area – some days ago has made its way down river.
Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology said earlier today:
“A major flood peak of 9.00 metres is likely at Rockhampton on Thursday morning. This flood level is just under the 2011 flood peak of 9.20 metres.”
The Fitzroy is also causing problems in nearby areas. BoM added:
“On Tuesday evening, major flooding is occurring on the Fitzroy River between Riverslea and Yaamba. Downstream, moderate flooding is rising between South Yaamba and Rockhampton.
The Fitzroy River at Riverslea peaked at 26.32 metres on Monday afternoon. River levels are currently falling slowly during Tuesday evening and are approximately 1.5 metres above the major flood level of 24.0 metres.
The Fitzroy River at Yaamba is currently at 15.55 metres and rising. River levels are likely to peak near 15.90 metres overnight Tuesday into Wednesday.”
