‘Disgusted’: Looters take advantage of deadly floods as 24-hour patrols put in place in Far North Queensland

Areas of Far North Queensland rocked by the death of two people have been hit by criminals taking advantage of evacuation orders in an act slammed as disgusting.

Criminals have taken advantage of evacuation orders in areas of Far North Queensland rocked by the death of two people, leaving police “disgusted”.

Residents in Ingham, Railway Estate and Rosslea were evacuated as the state was smashed by deadly floods, with a 63-year-old and 82-year-old woman both losing their lives in and around Ingham.

Queensland Police are now investigating reports of property damage and looting across the suburbs.

Ingham was lashed by floods. Picture: NewsWire/ Adam Head

Townsville Superintendent Chris Lawson said he was “disgusted” by the behaviour and assured the community 24-hour patrols were being conducted.

“The Queensland Police Service has zero tolerance for stealing, especially during a disaster,” Superintendent Lawson said.

“I am disgusted by these reports of people in our community taking advantage of this weather event and the devastation it has caused across our region.

“As we move into the recovery phase, police will continue to target offenders and hold them responsible for their actions.”

The crackdown comes after the “ferocious” floods washed away headstones at a Georgetown cemetery, northwest of Townsville.

“It gives you an indication of how ferocious this system is and how it continues to pack a punch,” Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said.

Anthony Albanese visited Townsville on Thursday morning. Picture: Today.

‘Defies common sense’: Albanese visits Townsville

Anthony Albanese was in Townsville on Thursday, having met with Mr Crisafulli the night before to declare support for those who have lost income, as well as provide additional funding to eight local government areas.

“We know that North Queenslanders are tough, but these are tough times,” the Prime Minister said while speaking on Today.

Mr Albanese said he would go to the Emergency Management Centre with Mr Crisafulli on Thursday morning, just days after the Ollera Creek Bridge on the Bruce Highway was broken apart.

“There’s a bridge that’s been knocked out, the Australian Defence Force will be helping to build a temporary structure to so that we can open up that passage into Ingham as soon as possible,” he said.

“One of the things we need to do is to make sure that we build back better so that this bridge isn’t just wiped out every time there’s a flood.

“My government will work with Queensland to make sure we do just that.”

Mr Albanese later told Sky News that bridges had been built back “exactly the same” when washed away in the past.

“That defies common sense,” he said.

Areas of the state received up to 150mm of rain within 24 hours. Picture: NewsWire/Adam Head

Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Dean Narramore said areas including Emerald and Ingham had received widespread rainfalls of between 50 and 150mm over the last 24 hours.

Central parts of the state also received falls of up to 100mm.

“That’s likely to continue today, with widespread showers, rain and thunderstorms,” Mr Narramore said.

He said “major flooding” was occurring at the Herbert River, with flood warnings issued across the state.

Flood warnings continue to be issued across Far North Queensland. Picture: NewsWire/ Adam Head

Ingham was expected to be hit by more than 200mm of rain from Wednesday to Saturday.

A major warning is in place for the Herbert River, while moderate warnings are in place for Burdekin River, Connors and Isaac Rivers, Murray River and Ross River.

Minor warnings were put in place for the Tully River, Bohle River, Don River, Haughton River Catchment and Mulgrave River, with the Black River and Bluewater Creek, Proserpine River and Russell River also issued alerts.

Parts of the Burdekin, Gulf Country, and Thomson River Catchments were issued a flood watch while an initial minor flood warning was put in place for the Barcoo River.

Residents in the Herbert and Lower Burdekin Forecast District have been warned to brace for severe thunderstorms.

“Severe thunderstorms about Townsville and Clare are producing heavy rainfall this morning,” the alert stated.

“Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. “Locations which may be affected include Townsville, Ayr, Giru, Alva Beach, Woodstock and Clare.”

Originally published as ‘Disgusted’: Looters take advantage of deadly floods as 24-hour patrols put in place in Far North Queensland