Councils issue emergency alerts for residents in flood affected areas

An Emergency Alert was issued for residents in Georgetown while communities from Palm Cove to Babinda, are being told to stay alert. ROLLING UPDATES.

Water over the road due to flooding on the Bruce Hwy between Tully and Cardwell. Picture: QPS

Residents in Georgetown were told to get to higher ground in the early hours of Wednesday morning as emergency services issued an alert.

Just after 3am on February 5, the warning was issued of dangerous flooding in low-lying regions, particularly near the Etheridge and Delaney Rivers.

People were urged to move to higher ground immediately due to rapidly rising water and dangerous flooding and to stay away from creeks and rivers.

Palm Cove and Babinda flood warning

Council has issued a “stay informed” flood warning for areas between Palm Cove and Babinda.

Just after 1pm on Tuesday, February 4, Cairns Regional Council issued a stay informed flood warning from Palm Cove to Babinda.

A number of streets in Cairns City are experiencing minor flooding, but people who are parked in the city are urged to check on their cars and move them if necessary.

Over the past week, high rainfall totals have saturated the Mulgrave and Russell catchments, which has caused river level rises and flooding.

A council spokesman said several low-lying roads across the region had temporarily closed due to flooding.

“Closures could be impacted by tide movements which are set to peak around 2pm today,” he said.

Heavy rainfall is expected to continue along the tropical east coast and inland areas, potentially causing further flooding.

The situation is being closely monitored and updates will follow as needed.

Cardwell flood warning

Residents in Cardwell were told to get to higher ground on Sunday night, February 2, as a warning was issued of dangerous flooding in low-lying regions.

The emergency alert was issued just before midnight by Cassowary Coast Regional Council on February 2 for Cardwell and the surrounding area.

Residents were being urged to move to higher ground immediately as floodwaters continue to rise.

A Queensland Police spokesman said the situation may pose a threat to life and property.

“Local officials are closely monitoring the developing situation, urging residents to stay informed and follow safety advice,” he said.

This came after a previous alert was issued just before 7.30am the same day, when the Council and Queensland Police had warned residents of Cardwell to take immediate action against flooding.

Residents were advised to collect their evacuation kits and move to higher ground as floodwaters continued to rise.

Authorities stated the situation posed a significant risk to both life and property.

Local officials were closely monitoring the developing situation, urging residents to stay informed and follow safety advice.

The emergency alert issued for Cardwell has now been cancelled.

What You Should Do:

– Do not expect emergency services to come to your door.

– If your life is in danger or you are already trapped by floodwater, call triple-0 (000) now.

– Go to a safe and high place away from creeks and rivers. Stay with family or friends if you can.

– Move animals to a safe place. This could be high ground or inside.

– Take your mobile phone, medicine, ID, cash and keys with you.

– Warn family, friends and neighbours in the area.

– If you have children make sure they are with you an adult you trust.

– Move cars to high ground if you can do it safely.

– Stay away from creeks, rivers and floodwater.

– For flood and storm emergency help, call the SES on 132 500 or download the SES Assistance QLD app.

– Listen to your local radio station for warnings and updates.

If you are inside and can’t leave safely

– Stay inside and be aware of rising floodwater.

– If floodwater comes inside, move to a higher point like the kitchen bench or second storey and call triple-0 (000).

If you are outside  

– Stay away from trees, drains, low areas, creeks, canals and floodwater.

– Move indoors away from floodwater now.

If you need to drive to get to a safe place

– Slow right down.

– Do not drive through floodwater. If the road is flooded, go a different way.

– Watch for mud, debris, damaged roads, fallen trees and landslides.

– If driving is dangerous, find a high safe place to pull over – away from trees and drains.

Originally published as Councils issue emergency alerts for residents in flood affected areas