Queensland’s premier has warned residents in the state’s north and western regions to remain on high alert for the danger of floods despite rain easing.
David Crisafulli said some parts of the state had received a year’s worth of rain in just a week, meaning some catchments were on the brink of bursting.
Several major flood warnings remain in place, including for the Flinders River and Connors-Isaac River, with Crisafulli saying concerns remain even though drenched parts of the state are receiving less rainfall.
“In some areas of north and north-west Queensland, they experienced a whole year’s worth of rainfall within just one week, leaving the regions extremely waterlogged,” he mentioned during an interview on Today.
“There are cattle stranded on elevated terrain, being sustained with fodder and essential veterinary care in an effort to keep them alive,” he continued.
“The major concern is the possibility of additional rain in regions where water levels are already high and receding slower than anticipated.”
Cloncurry in the state’s north-west could see 45 millimetres of rain today, whilst Mount Isa could also cop a drenching of 35 millimetres.
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned the flood danger may increase at the end of this week as several rivers and catchments struggle to contain the huge amounts of rain over the last fortnight.
Crisafulli noted that there is some hope on the horizon, but emphasized the necessity for the state to stay vigilant.
“We are seeing a decreasing trend in rainfall, yet that doesn’t eliminate the risk of intense, isolated downpours in areas already saturated,” he stated.
