Tropical Terror: North Queensland on High Alert as Cyclone Koji Looms – 200 Tonnes of Sand Bagged as Residents Prepare for Worst
- Furious winds of up to 95km/h and torrential rain expected to lash the coast by Saturday night
- Residents scramble to prepare as authorities warn of severe and widespread flooding, with 250-300mm of rain predicted
- Police issue stern warning about driving through floodwaters, labelling it “beyond stupidity” and “negligent activity”
- Emergency services on high alert, with 92 additional police, 35 state emergency services personnel, and 79 Queensland Fire and Rescue officers deployed to the region
Panic is gripping North Queensland as a tropical low brews off the coast, threatening to unleash Cyclone Koji’s fury on the region by Saturday night. With wind and rain already battering Cardwell, residents from Port Douglas to Airlie Beach are racing against time to prepare for the worst.
In a desperate bid to safeguard their homes and businesses, locals have bagged a staggering 200 tonnes of sand, with many more scrambling to secure their properties. “A lot of people are saying it’s going to come to nothing, but failing to prepare is preparing to fail,” one resident warned.
For Elaine and Michael McMillan, the threat of Cyclone Koji is all too real. Their local engineering workshop was washed out just last year, and they’re not taking any chances this time around. “We’ve just moved things up off the floor. Anything that could get damaged, we’ve moved as much as possible,” they said.
As the Premier and the state’s disaster response team coordinate the emergency response from Brisbane, authorities are warning residents to expect the worst. “This is beyond stupidity when you drive into floodwaters. This is negligent activity,” Deputy Commissioner Chris Stream warned.
With local catchments already waterlogged, the biggest risk is severe and widespread flooding. Police are urging residents to stay safe and stay informed, warning that conditions can change rapidly. “Just because the wind’s not blowing right now doesn’t mean it’s not going to be blowing in 24 hours’ time,” Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto cautioned.
As the region holds its breath, one thing is certain: Cyclone Koji is a force to be reckoned with, and North Queensland is bracing for impact.