SCENIC Rim’s Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) is preparing for widespread flooding throughout the region in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Currently predicted to cross the coast as a category one cyclone tonight, strong winds and heavy rain is expected, with rain increasing once the cyclone weakens.
Flooding risks
LDMG Chair and Division Three Councillor, Steve Moriarty, said Queensland Fire Department have identified 190 properties in the Scenic Rim that are at risk of flooding, including properties on Roxborough Street and Riverbend Drive in Canungra, with falls in excess of 300mm expected over the next 48 hours.
“If we get widespread major flooding with that amount of rain, flood records may be broken. We are potentially looking at the biggest flood event in the region to date,” said Cr Moriarty.
QFD are currently contacting property owners in the at risk properties to advise them to evacuate before sunset today in order to ensure people are not travelling in adverse weather conditions in darkness.
“In the first instance it is better if they seek a safer location with family and friends, however if they are not able to do so they can get back in touch with QFD and they will be looked after.”
“We are expecting the rain to start tonight, with wind and rain increasing, however once the cyclone crosses the coast and changes direction it will bring heavier rainfall to our region.”
The heaviest rainfall is expected on Saturday.
Water and power
Power outages have already occurred in the region, however more are expected and it may be some time before the power network is restored.
Energex have stated that it is currently too risky to send crews to restore power in affected areas.
“It is going to be messy – you can’t get through this without it being messy but we are working with QFD, QPS, Energex and Seqwater to be as well prepared as we can be – and we have tried to prepare the people of our region,” said Cr Moriarty.
“The difference between this and the Christmas 2023 storms is that this time we have had that time to prepare.”
He stated that the modelling indicates that several local government areas will be heavily impacted by power and water outages, affecting a much wider area than the Christmas 2023 storms.
Residents have been urged to store water as any water supplies, including town water could be affected.
“Services will be restored, however the larger centres will be reconnected first,” Cr Moriarty said.
“The big hope is that it’s not as bad as we’re expecting.”
Assistance coming from up North
Emergency services crews have been brought in from around Queensland, including two swift water crews from Port Douglas and Cairns that are currently located in Kooralbyn.
For more information visit https://disasterdashboard.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/
