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A 15-year-old boy has been swept into a stormwater drain after heavy rain hits the region

Police have rushed to save a boy swept into a stormwater drain in Far North Queensland after flash flooding hit the region and residents “risk” their lives. See the video here.

Boy swept into drain

Police rushed to rescue a boy after he was swept through floodwaters and into a stormwater drain northwest of Cairns, after recent wet weather caused flash flooding.

Emergency crews were called to the intersection of James and Basalt Street, in Mareeba, on December 17 after the 15-year-old boy got swept into the stormwater drain.

Scrambling to locate the boy, body worn footage shows police officers running through ankle deep water as they and other residents frantically search for the missing teen.

Police rushed to rescue a boy after he was swept through floodwaters and into a stormwater drain northwest of Cairns, after recent wet weather caused flash flooding. Picture: Supplied.
Police rushed to rescue a boy after he was swept through floodwaters and into a stormwater drain northwest of Cairns, after recent wet weather caused flash flooding. Picture: Supplied.

Police located the boy on a nearby street a short time later after he re-emerged with minor injuries, which included cuts and grazes.

He was transported to the hospital for assessment.

Mareeba Police Station Acting Sergeant Daley Boney said the incident served as a stark reminder of the dangers of flood waters.

“We strongly advise parents to highlight these dangers to their children, to ensure they aren’t putting themselves in unnecessary risk by playing in stormwater drains, rivers and parklands,” Sergeant Boney said.

Police rushed to rescue a boy after he was swept through floodwaters and into a stormwater drain at the intersection of James and Basalt Street, in Mareeba. Picture: Supplied.
Police rushed to rescue a boy after he was swept through floodwaters and into a stormwater drain at the intersection of James and Basalt Street, in Mareeba. Picture: Supplied.

Sergeant Boney said officers would do everything they can to make sure everyone stays safe this wet season.

“The wet weather is expected during this time of year, but it does not mean we should be complacent,” he said.

“There is also the chance that wildlife like snakes, spiders and even crocodiles could be moving about the flooded waterways, which pose a separate risk.”

Police located the boy on Reynolds Street after he re-emerged with minor injuries, including cuts and grazes. Picture: Supplied.
Police located the boy on Reynolds Street after he re-emerged with minor injuries, including cuts and grazes. Picture: Supplied.

The warning comes as part of a larger reminder to all Queenslanders as Queensland Police urge residents to not put their lives at risk by driving through flooded roads, with more wet weather expected across parts of the region in the coming weeks.

If its flooded forget it campaign

Emergency crews also responded to multiple rescues in recent weeks, where motorists have driven through floodwaters and have been swept away.

Emergency crews helped to rescue motorists trapped in two cars after they became stuck in floodwaters on Gillies Range Road in Goldsborough on December 7. Picture: Supplied.
Emergency crews helped to rescue motorists trapped in two cars after they became stuck in floodwaters on Gillies Range Road in Goldsborough on December 7. Picture: Supplied.

SES and police helped rescue motorists in two cars which became stuck in floodwaters on Gillies Range Road in Goldsborough on December 7.

Queensland Police Service Deputy Commissioner and State Disaster Coordinator Shane Chelepy said there is no reason for people to be driving through floodwaters.

“It does not matter how big your car is, or how equipped it is to handle four-wheel-drive conditions, it will not save you,” he said.

State Disaster Coordinator, Shane Chelepy, said there is no reason for people to be driving through floodwaters. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell
State Disaster Coordinator, Shane Chelepy, said there is no reason for people to be driving through floodwaters. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell

“The road gives out from underneath you, have a back up plan so you can get home to your loved ones.”

The Queensland Reconstruction Authority launched its latest ‘If It’s Flooded, Forget It’ campaign, warning Queenslanders about the dangers of driving through floodwater and the potential damage to vehicles.

Water was rushing fast and almost touching the tops of trees as emergency crews helped to rescue motorists trapped in two cars on Gillies Range Road in Goldsborough. Picture: Supplied.
Water was rushing fast and almost touching the tops of trees as emergency crews helped to rescue motorists trapped in two cars on Gillies Range Road in Goldsborough. Picture: Supplied.

QRA CEO Major General Jake Ellwood said making good decisions can save your life.

“In severe weather, road conditions can change suddenly and the risk is just not worth it,” Major General Ellwood said.

“Your car can have every gadget and safety feature imaginable, but it can’t protect you from floodwater. Don’t risk your life. If it’s flooded, forget it.”

Mr Ellwood said long-range forecasts predict average to above-average rainfall for much of Queensland in the coming months.

emma.cam@news.com.au

Originally published as A 15-year-old boy has been swept into a stormwater drain after heavy rain hits the region

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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/cairns/a-15yearold-boy-has-been-swept-into-a-stormwater-drain-after-heavy-rain-hits-the-region/news-story/acc1608e87cab5fdf6f22b76695d1600