‘Worst yet to come’: 1700 homes at serious risk amid 1000mm North Qld deluge

Residents of flood-hit north Queensland are being warned the waters might not peak until tomorrow morning – with 1700 homes in Townsville alone at serious risk of inundation.

Emergency crews have pleaded with North Queensland residents to evacuate ahead of life-threatening flooding which is expected to inundate 1700 homes and has already claimed the life of a woman who fell from an SES boat.

More than 1000mm of rain has fallen between Townsville and Ingham in just two days, with more than 1700 homes in “black zones” predicted to be inundated with water on Monday.

Ingham was nearing its 1967 record flood level of 15.2m, with the Herbert River at 14.84m and rising on Sunday evening.

Premier David Crisafulli warned conditions could worsen with up to 400mm of rain is predicted to fall in the next 24 hours.

“It shows you that this is a really, really big flooding event,” Mr Crisafulli said.

Ingham – north of Townsville – had been hardest hit with dozens of homes inundated with water and the death of a woman in floodwaters.

The 63-year-old woman was among six people on an SES boat with two crew when it struck a tree on Rutledge St and flipped about 9.20am on Sunday. Mr Crisafulli said her death would rock the small community.

“There has been the loss of life in floodwaters in Ingham, and that’s a really tight-knit community, and our thoughts and prayers are with family,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“Some of the (rain) falls we saw overnight in different parts were, quite frankly, at incredible levels.”

Ollera Creek Bridge cut in half from flood water on the Bruce Highway north of Townsville.

Townsville residents in several “black zones” – Idalia, Oonoonba, Rosslea, Hermit Park, Cluden and Railway Estate – were ordered to leave their homes by midday on Sunday as the Ross River levels rose drastically.

On Sunday afternoon an emergency alert was issued for Bluewater residents to evacuate, despite the town not being in the “black zone” areas

On Sunday night, the alert was cancelled, but police warned it was not safe for evacuated residents to return to the small town north of Townsville.

On Sunday night police confirmed Heatley evacuation centre was at capacity, with room available at Bluewater Community Centre, Townsville sports precinct and a new centre at Ignatius Park College.

Townsville Police Detective Superintendent Graeme Paine said emergency crews were concerned with the number of people in the black zone refusing to listen to evacuation advice.

A new evacuation centre was opened on Sunday night.

“Our messaging is that if you’re in the black zone, you need to leave,” he said.

“The modelling has predicted certain impacts; what we’re doing is in line with that.”

Superintendent Paine said Sunday afternoon was the second time police officers and soldiers had doorknocked residents in the black zone to urge them to leave before further anticipated river rises overnight.

“From our perspective, that reflects the level of danger and the level of threat that we see in that,” he said.

“As I said before, the impact of these floodwaters can be life-threatening.”

Flooding in Rosslea, Townsville.

He said having to rescue residents in zones who were warned to leave exposed emergency service members to serious danger.

A total of 41 swift water rescues were conducted in the 24 hours until 3pm on Sunday.

Townsville Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) co-ordinator Zach Dawes said mapping showed 1700 homes in these black zones were predicted to be inundated with water on Monday.

The “black zone” was beginning to flood on Sunday afternoon, with up to 80 homes already impacted by flooding.

“The black zone does have 2100 properties and we are looking at 1700 above the floor boards,” he said.

He said Bluewater, where residents were urged to leave at about 2.40pm on Sunday, had up to 10 properties already inundated, with 40 predicted to be impacted into the night.

Controlled releases are being conducted at Ross Dam, with Mr Dawes warning that the releases will impact the flow downstream.

About 10 per cent of the community chose to stay, doorknocking in the “black zone” revealed, and Townsville LDMG chair Andrew Robinson said this was concerning.

Heavy rain lashes Townsville causing flash flooding. Aplins Weir at 7am. Picture: Evan Morgan

“It is concerning because our indications are there will be inundation throughout that black zone,” he said. “They may think they are safe at home, however they will become an island.”

Police were also investigating after thieves stole an Ergon Energy worker’s car while a crew was responding to a fallen tree on a house in Townsville.

Raging flood waters have caused major damage to a bridge on the Bruce Highway north of Townsville. The Ollera Creek Bridge in Mutarnee has been completely swept away, with only guard rails left standing.

All motorists are urged to find an alternative if travelling between Ingham and Townsville.

About 2am Sunday, crews were called to Bayswater Rd at Currajong where a large tree had fallen down and partially landed on a home.

An Ergon Energy crew was called to assist with power outages when their car was brazenly stolen by thieves.

Aerial view of Ingham.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his sadness at the death of the woman in Ingham.

“My thoughts are with the family and the entire community at this awful time,” Mr Albanese said.

“The full support of the Queensland and federal governments is being deployed to assist with these floods.

“I have spoken with Premier Crisafulli and reiterated we will supply whatever resources are required to deal with this event.”

Flooding in the streets of Ingham. Photo: Mostyn Swain

Deputy Leader for the Katter’s Australian Party and member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto said he had not seen this amount of rainfall in such a short amount of time in more than 30 years. “We’re talking flood levels that may exceed some of the greatest floods that we’ve ever seen,” he said.

Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy said the Ingham tragedy highlighted the reality of the dangers and risks of floods.

“I just want to ensure that all support will be provided to our emergency services and the Ingham community,” Mr Chelepy said.

“They are dangerous operations that our emergency services and our emergency volunteers are facing.”

The Townsville region has been battered by intense rainfall.