Flood Frenzy Hits Queensland: Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji Unleashes Havoc on Far North as Residents Face Months of Isolation
- Queenslanders on high alert as ex-tropical cyclone Koji wreaks havoc across the state’s far north, causing widespread flooding and chaos
- The Fitzroy River is set to rise after a deluge of over 100mm of rain, doubling the typical January rainfall total for the region
- The small highland community of Eungella is expected to be cut off for up to three months after landslips block the steep mountain road
- Close to 50,000 stock are missing or presumed dead in the floods, with Premier David Crisafulli warning of further losses ahead
Panic is gripping Queensland as the after-effects of ex-tropical cyclone Koji continue to unleash chaos across large parts of the state’s far north. The weather system has caused days of significant rainfall, with more locations now in the firing line and flood warnings issued across Rockhampton.
Rockhampton Mayor Tony Williams has issued a stark warning to residents, urging them to stay put unless travel is essential. “Over the next couple of days, we’ll start to monitor how that system is tracking and what the water levels will look like,” he said, adding that the local disaster management group is well prepared to handle the crisis.
The rain has caused localised flooding, with several underground carparks now closed to the public as a precaution. Williams will meet with the Bureau of Meteorology on Tuesday for further updates, as emergency services move to alert phase.
Aerial footage posted to social media has revealed the devastating impact of the floods, with the steep mountain road to Eungella blocked by huge landslips. The bitumen is buckled, and large sections have fallen away, leaving the small highland community facing up to three months of isolation.
Meteorologist Dean Narramore has delivered a dire warning, saying widespread rain and storms will return to the area on Tuesday and Wednesday. “Unfortunately, we’re going to see another rain event through there, in the middle and latter part of this week,” he said, adding that the news is a blow to residents and communities still recovering from ongoing flooding.
The true extent of the devastation is only just beginning to emerge, with Clarmont Airport receiving 203.2mm and Dysart 220mm of rain in the 24 hours to 7am Tuesday. Close to 50,000 stock are missing or presumed dead in the floods, with Premier David Crisafulli warning that losses will increase.
“There will be individuals who are impacted on a really large scale, and the prospect of more rain in the days and weeks ahead will send a shiver down their spine,” Crisafulli said, as the government continues to drop fodder and medical supplies for stricken animals.