Nautilus CEO and helicopter pilot Aaron Finn reveals insight into Gulf floods from the skies

A helicopter pilot running evacuation and supply flights in and out of Burketown and surrounding areas has detailed the devastation he is seeing from above. Watch the video.

Graziers have been hit hard by devastating floods in and around Burketown in the Gulf, with livestock washed away and livelihoods in tatters.

Nautilus Aviation has been evacuating residents from Burketown and its surrounds by helicopter as well as flying in much-needed supplies for those isolated.

Company CEO Aaron Finn said the business has set up operations out of the Burke and Wills Roadhouse and have been flying multiple flights every day with four helicopters.

“We have four helicopters here and everything is flat out we are just jumping on any jobs that we possibly can to help out,” Mr Finn said.

Homes and stations have been left devastated as rain continues to fall in catchment areas sending more floodwaters into Burketown and its surrounds. Picture: Supplied

He said residents and graziers were being hit hard by the loss of livestock and damage to their properties.

“There is a lot of deflation, especially some of the graziers and station holders who have lost everything.

“One lady spent 40 years building their station and she just got out of there with her little Jack Russell and that was all they could salvage,” he said.

“They’ve lost 40 years of their life and there are multiple stories like that.

“We saw this guy up to his neck in flood waters cutting fences to let cattle through with crocodiles swimming around up there.

“That is how desperate people are to rescue their cattle.”

Graziers have been hit with the loss of thousands of cattle and other livestock as they have become isolated and evacuated. Image: Supplied

Mr Finn said his team was looking towards beginning recovery operation once the rain slows but more is falling in catchments upstream.

“We have had 80mm falling in the catchment area again last night so that is all heading down as well.”

“We are looking at weeks of isolation and everything is being hampered by the water which is just not moving away, it just spreads out because the land is so flat.”

Major flooding is still occurring in Gregory River and flood water heights in Burketown are still subject to change.

On Sunday, 37 houses and two water pumping stations had been taken off power due to safety concerns.

Burketown sewage and water treatment has also been cut.

Nautilus Aviation has been assisting residents of the gulf country as they operate evacuation and supply flights via four helicopters. Image: Supplied

Residents are instructed to conserve water usage and monitor advice from Burketown Shire Council.

Air assets are stationed nearby and are on standby for emergency rescues or personnel transport.

Mount Isa District Disaster Coordination Centre has commenced the preparation of the recovery phase.

Due to the current conditions, it is still unsafe for people to return to their homes.

Originally published as Nautilus CEO and helicopter pilot Aaron Finn reveals insight into Gulf floods from the skies