Published Wednesday, 11 February, 2009 at 03:09 PM
Minister for Emergency Services
The Honourable Neil Roberts
FLOOD WATERS KILL BUT HIGH-RISK ACTIVITIES CONTINUE
Two more rescues of people trapped in vehicles on flooded causeways has again highlighted the danger of flood waters, Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said today.
Mr Roberts said two men were rescued from the top of their vehicle at Raspberry Creek Road north west of Yeppoon, while another two were rescued from their vehicle on the Gregory Developmental Road south of Charters Towers.
“Thankfully all of the men escaped injury but tragically seven Queenslanders have died in flood waters since November,” Mr Roberts said.
“That is seven deaths too many, and has taken a terrible toll on the victims’ families and friends. Families have lost children and children have lost their parents.
“Yet, despite this heartbreak, some people are still taking unnecessary risks with flood waters.”
“Rising flood waters are deadly. There are no second chances.”
Mr Roberts said in the past month there had been numerous circumstances of great tragedy and examples of extremely risky behaviour.
“Body surfing in storm water drains is deadly. Crossing swollen creeks is deadly. Playing near any form of rising water is a recipe for disaster,” he said.
Emergency Management Queensland Executive Director Frank Pagano said risky behaviour also endangered the lives of others including on-lookers and members of the Emergency Services.
“It may be their duty to save lives but I do not want it to be misunderstood – these are extremely dangerous rescues,” Mr Pagano.
“Every time one of our people enters the water there are families back at home hoping everything will go well. They know the dangers but they shouldn’t have to face them unnecessarily.”
Mr Pagano said flash flooding had the potential to make drains, ditches, causeways and rivers very dangerous.
“Even shallow, quick-flowing water is strong enough to sweep a vehicle into flood waters,” he said.
“We are urging people to stay away from drains and culverts. It may look safe but there are often dangers such as pot holes and unforseen hazards just below the surface.”
Mr Pagano said it was equally important to stay out of floodwaters as there was a chance the waters could be contaminated.
Media contact: Minister’s office – (07) 3247 8997, Department of Emergency Services media – (07) 3247 8186
Mr Roberts said two men were rescued from the top of their vehicle at Raspberry Creek Road north west of Yeppoon, while another two were rescued from their vehicle on the Gregory Developmental Road south of Charters Towers.
“Thankfully all of the men escaped injury but tragically seven Queenslanders have died in flood waters since November,” Mr Roberts said.
“That is seven deaths too many, and has taken a terrible toll on the victims’ families and friends. Families have lost children and children have lost their parents.
“Yet, despite this heartbreak, some people are still taking unnecessary risks with flood waters.”
“Rising flood waters are deadly. There are no second chances.”
Mr Roberts said in the past month there had been numerous circumstances of great tragedy and examples of extremely risky behaviour.
“Body surfing in storm water drains is deadly. Crossing swollen creeks is deadly. Playing near any form of rising water is a recipe for disaster,” he said.
Emergency Management Queensland Executive Director Frank Pagano said risky behaviour also endangered the lives of others including on-lookers and members of the Emergency Services.
“It may be their duty to save lives but I do not want it to be misunderstood – these are extremely dangerous rescues,” Mr Pagano.
“Every time one of our people enters the water there are families back at home hoping everything will go well. They know the dangers but they shouldn’t have to face them unnecessarily.”
Mr Pagano said flash flooding had the potential to make drains, ditches, causeways and rivers very dangerous.
“Even shallow, quick-flowing water is strong enough to sweep a vehicle into flood waters,” he said.
“We are urging people to stay away from drains and culverts. It may look safe but there are often dangers such as pot holes and unforseen hazards just below the surface.”
Mr Pagano said it was equally important to stay out of floodwaters as there was a chance the waters could be contaminated.
Media contact: Minister’s office – (07) 3247 8997, Department of Emergency Services media – (07) 3247 8186