Swiftwater rescuers prepared for FNQ downpour

Far North Queensland’s specialist swiftwater rescuers are being put on alert in anticipation of further heavy rainfall and potential flooding in the region.

On a visit to Cairns today (Tuesday), Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Craig Crawford was updated on severe weather preparations - after a recent deluge and localised flooding in parts of the far north, with rainfall totals in Cairns and Cooktown exceeding the January average.

“Far North Queenslanders know from experience just how quickly and severely the weather can turn,” Mr Crawford said.

“We are now heading into the wet season, which is notorious for producing severe storms and flooding. I’m pleased to say highly-trained swiftwater rescuers stationed throughout the region are ready to respond at a moment’s notice.”

Member for Cairns Michael Healy said there had been a noticeable increase in the number of swiftwater rescues in recent years.

“Swiftwater rescue crews were called to eight rescues last storm season, up from four the previous season,” Mr Healy said. “This and recent rainfall should be a reminder to locals and visitors to be wary during storms and never enter floodwater.”

Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said there had been an overall improvement in people’s attitudes toward floodwater - despite the number of rescues taking place.

“Research by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services shows more than seven in 10 people believe driving through floodwater is not socially acceptable,” Mr Pitt said.

“More than 80 per cent of Queensland motorists report making other arrangements for work or home if it looks like roads may flood. According to the research, 65 per cent of Queensland drivers say they will make sure they have a Plan B if it looks like local roads may flood.”

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said motorists should also take precautions before getting on the road.

“Motorists should be checking the status of roads before travelling and identifying an alternative route in case of flooding,” she said. “Floodwaters are incredibly unforgiving, so the most important reminder for everyone is: if it’s flooded, forget it.”

QFES Assistant Commissioner for Far Northern Region John Bolger said swiftwater rescuers were preparing for a busy wet season.

“Our personnel have spent the past few months honing their rescue skills to overcome the challenges this wet season may bring,” he said.

“We also have capacity to shift resources around the region and further afield as required, meaning we can act quickly and effectively to protect the community in the event of severe weather.

“We are prepared but we also need locals to take proactive measures as well. Locals may be used to flood events in their area, but becoming complacent could risk their life and the lives of others,” he said.

State Emergency Service (SES) Far Northern Regional Manager Wayne Coutts said SES volunteers were bracing for a rise in the number of requests for assistance as the wet season approached.

“The rainfall that parts of the far north have experienced in the past week is an early indicator that the wet season is just around the corner,” he said.

“As a result of the downpour Cairns experienced on January 17, SES volunteers have been busy providing sandbags, tending to damaged roofs and clearing debris. Now is the ideal time for locals to finalise their storm preparations before the wet season kicks off.”

Background information: Weather points (supplied by BoM) 

• Cairns has recorded 442mm of rainfall this January (the average is 390mm).
• Cooktown has recorded 461mm of rainfall this January (the average is 379mm).
• Most of the rainfall has occurred in the past week.
• Cairns recorded 182mm of rainfall in the 24-hour period 9am-9am on January 16-17. 

ENDS

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