Mackay driver rescued in flood water at Glenella
A man who became stuck in rising floodwaters in North Qld has spoken out about the terrifying ordeal, with good Samaritans using boogie boards to try to reach him.
Mackay
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A man who became trapped in rapidly rising Mackay floodwaters has spoken out about the ‘panicked’ moment he realised he was in trouble, with good Samaritans using boogie boards to try to rescue him.
Emergency services were called to the scene along Glenella Rd in Glenella near Magpies Sporting Club shortly before 5pm, where Francis Manalo was trapped in the rapidly rising waters.
It is understood citizens used boogie boards to try and reach Mr Manalo but were unsuccessful.
A Queensland Police Service spokesman said the driver was saved but his vehicle was still stuck in the swollen creek water.
Mr Manalo said he was “panicked” when he realised the waters were rising around his Honda CR-V, but the first thing on his mind was to phone triple-0.
“It’s dangerous out there,” Mr Manalo said.
Multiple police and firefighter crews were sent to the address as heavy rainfall created by remnants of Cyclone Ellie wreaked havoc across the region.
Witnesses report seeing the water rise rapidly with Glenella resident Cayden Ambrose saying it “was a bit wet”.
“I seen all the lights and all the things so I decided to come for a bike ride and have a look,” Mr Ambrose said.
“That’s the first car I’ve seen (try and make it across).”
It is understood the road will shortly close to the public.
The emergency situation unfolded about an hour after another driver found themselves stuck in floodwater at Holts Rd, also in Glenella, just before 4pm.
The QPS spokesman said that driver was able to get himself to safety.
It comes as SES volunteers are gearing up for more rescues after they were engaged in two separate floodwater rescues overnight after flash flooding.
Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Harry Clark said it was certain flash flooding would again impact Mackay into Thursday night.
Heavy rainfall is expected to continue over the weekend and begin to taper off by Tuesday.