Townsville flood: Evacuation centre opens in Heatley as TLDMG issues prepare to leave warning

The local disaster management group has opened an evacuation centre overnight as more rainfall fell across the region. LATEST.

Heavy rain lashes Townsville causing flash flooding. Police block Townsend Street, Mysterton. Picture: Evan Morgan

The Townsville Local Disaster Management Group is advising that residents at Cluden, Hermit Park, Idalia, Oonoonba, Railway Estate and Rosslea must prepare to leave.

Heavy intense rainfall may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding within the next 24 hours, these areas are expected to receive flooding.

Police at the door of a property on 12th Ave, Railway Estate.

Prepare your home and yourself. Move important documents and items to high areas, or take them with you. Make sure you have enough clothes and medication for at least three days.

If you have very young children, pack enough nappies for up to five days, wipes, bottles, formula or baby food. Plan to not have a fridge or microwave.

Emergency services will be door knocking properties at Cluden, Hermit Park, Idalia, Oonoonba, Railway Estate and Rosslea today to advise residents that they must prepare to leave by tomorrow. The situation is evolving and you may need to leave earlier.

Flooding to second-storey floors is possible. Single-storey buildings could be fully flooded. It may become too dangerous for emergency services to rescue you.

Go now to a safe place away from flood-affected areas, ideally at a friend or family’s home. Lock windows and doors before you leave home.

If you do not have a safe place to go to, an evacuation centre has been opened at Heatley Secondary College. Pets are not permitted at the evacuation centre.

Further evacuation centres are preparing to open to accommodate pets. The TLDMG will provide advice as they open.

For non-life threatening emergencies, call the SES on 132 500. For life-threatening emergencies call triple-0.

To stay up to date visit the Emergency Management and Disaster Dashboard, listen to local radio or phone 13 48 10.

Black area is current evacuation zone for Tonwsville.

Evacuation centre open

Heatley Secondary College is now opening as an evacuation centre for Townsville residents who must leave their homes.

Consistent and intense rainfall has caused widespread localised flooding across Townsville. Residents may need to leave if conditions get worse.

Townsville Local Disaster Management Group chair Andrew Robinson said residents should be prepared to leave.

“If you are experiencing flooding and believe it is unsafe to stay, prepare to leave now. Do not wait for further advice or emergency service to come to your door,” Cr Robinson said.

“Try to stay with family and friends if you need to leave your home. Evacuation centres are a place to stay dry, but they should not be your first choice if you need to leave your home and they are not a place to stay long-term,” Cr Robinson said.

“Planning for your pet is part of disaster preparations. If you need to go to an evacuation centre, you must find a safe place for your pet to stay, whether that is with family or friends. Pets will not be permitted at the evacuation centre.”

To prepare to leave, move cars to high ground, lift important things onto benches, tables or high shelves, charge your mobile phones and block toilets, sink and drains with sandbags to stop sewerage backflow.

Lock your windows and doors. Decide how you will get to your safe place, and do not drive through floodwater.

The Heatley Secondary College evacuation centre is at 321 Fulham Road, Heatley.

Originally published as Townsville flood: Evacuation centre opens in Heatley as TLDMG issues prepare to leave warning