Published Monday, 02 February, 2009 at 08:40 AM
Minister for Emergency Services
The Honourable Neil Roberts
NORTH QUEENSLAND NOW ON FLOOD WATCH
North Queensland is this morning assessing the damage caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie, which crossed the coast near Mission Beach around midnight, Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said.
Mr Roberts said the Bureau of Meteorology had advised that winds had weakened below gale force, however a severe weather warning was still in place.
"Ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie, now a low, is located about 45km northwest of Cardwell and is drifting westwards. The Bureau expects the system to continue to drift westwards during the day," Mr Roberts said.
"Strong wind warnings are current from Cape Tribulation to St Lawrence with winds up to 25 to 30 knots and seas to three metres.
"Heavy rainfall will continue along the coast between Innisfail and Mackay and west into far eastern Goldfields.
"This is expected to result in flooding and authorities are closely monitoring rainfall and flood levels around the Herbert River near Ingham and the Haughton River near Giru as well as a number of other areas between Bowen and Cardwell."
Mr Roberts urged residents and motorists to heed warnings to avoid flooded roads and causeways.
People are advised to go to www.police.qld.gov.au for road closure updates.
SES crews have been assessing the Ingham area early this morning and have reported a large quantity of water in the region which continues to rise rapidly. There have also been reports of a number of fallen trees in the area.
The State Emergency Service units along the coast are expecting many calls today and are well prepared with tarps, sandbags and chainsaws.
Mr Roberts warned the community not to be complacent.
"The time immediately after a cyclone is often as dangerous as the initial event," he said.
“There have been a number of incidents in the past where motorists underestimate the volume of water on roads and try their luck. This is not only reckless but dangerous.
“About 4.30am today four people in two vehicles took their chances and drove into water at Helen’s Hill at Ingham. They were inundated and Queensland Fire and Rescue Service crews had to assist them to dry land,” he said.
Emergency Management Queensland Executive Director Frank Pagano joined the Minister in calling for people to heed the warnings.
“Keep an eye on children and ensure they are not playing in or near flood waters. Avoid entering floodwaters at all cost and if you must, wear solid shoes and check the depth with a stick before entering," Mr Pagano
“Stay away from drains, culverts and any water over knee-deep. It may look safe but there are often dangers such as pot holes and unforseen hazards lurking below the surface.”
The Department of Emergency Services also advises the following:
• Don’t use gas or electrical appliances which have been in flood water until checked for safety;
• Don’t eat food which has been in flood waters;
• Check on your neighbours if necessary;
• Stay away from damaged powerlines, fallen trees and flood water; and
• If your home has become uninhabitable due to cyclone damage, contact your local council to identify where you can seek further assistance.
• Call 132500 for SES assistance.
Media contact: Scott Chandler on 0488 096 204, Emergency Services media on (07) 3247 8186
Mr Roberts said the Bureau of Meteorology had advised that winds had weakened below gale force, however a severe weather warning was still in place.
"Ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie, now a low, is located about 45km northwest of Cardwell and is drifting westwards. The Bureau expects the system to continue to drift westwards during the day," Mr Roberts said.
"Strong wind warnings are current from Cape Tribulation to St Lawrence with winds up to 25 to 30 knots and seas to three metres.
"Heavy rainfall will continue along the coast between Innisfail and Mackay and west into far eastern Goldfields.
"This is expected to result in flooding and authorities are closely monitoring rainfall and flood levels around the Herbert River near Ingham and the Haughton River near Giru as well as a number of other areas between Bowen and Cardwell."
Mr Roberts urged residents and motorists to heed warnings to avoid flooded roads and causeways.
People are advised to go to www.police.qld.gov.au for road closure updates.
SES crews have been assessing the Ingham area early this morning and have reported a large quantity of water in the region which continues to rise rapidly. There have also been reports of a number of fallen trees in the area.
The State Emergency Service units along the coast are expecting many calls today and are well prepared with tarps, sandbags and chainsaws.
Mr Roberts warned the community not to be complacent.
"The time immediately after a cyclone is often as dangerous as the initial event," he said.
“There have been a number of incidents in the past where motorists underestimate the volume of water on roads and try their luck. This is not only reckless but dangerous.
“About 4.30am today four people in two vehicles took their chances and drove into water at Helen’s Hill at Ingham. They were inundated and Queensland Fire and Rescue Service crews had to assist them to dry land,” he said.
Emergency Management Queensland Executive Director Frank Pagano joined the Minister in calling for people to heed the warnings.
“Keep an eye on children and ensure they are not playing in or near flood waters. Avoid entering floodwaters at all cost and if you must, wear solid shoes and check the depth with a stick before entering," Mr Pagano
“Stay away from drains, culverts and any water over knee-deep. It may look safe but there are often dangers such as pot holes and unforseen hazards lurking below the surface.”
The Department of Emergency Services also advises the following:
• Don’t use gas or electrical appliances which have been in flood water until checked for safety;
• Don’t eat food which has been in flood waters;
• Check on your neighbours if necessary;
• Stay away from damaged powerlines, fallen trees and flood water; and
• If your home has become uninhabitable due to cyclone damage, contact your local council to identify where you can seek further assistance.
• Call 132500 for SES assistance.
Media contact: Scott Chandler on 0488 096 204, Emergency Services media on (07) 3247 8186