Over 800,000 Queensland homes are unprepared for flooding

QUEENSLANDERS have a big clean-up job ahead as the floodwaters subside. But one important question remains — how prepared are we for the next disaster?

TORRENTIAL rain has caused havoc in Queensland’s north, with the worst flooding since 2009.

The Bureau of Meteorology says the weekend’s heavy rain is now easing, however there are signs a cyclone may be forming off the state’s far north coast. This could have devastating effects on already damage-stricken regions.

In the past four days, the amount of rainfall across Queensland has seen the region between Townsville and Cairns declared a disaster zone by the state government.

And it isn’t over yet. A staged aerial rescue operation is currently underway to retrieve 68 Townsville school kids and 10 staff who were completely stranded at Echo Creek Adventure Camp as waters came dangerously close.

Three other students were flown out from the site yesterday, due to concerns about a possible gastro outbreak.

The Insurance Council of Australia says the situation is catastrophic. CEO Rob Whelan said: “Insurers will be mobilising response teams in the coming days to help households and businesses in affected north Queensland areas, where the severe inundation has been experienced.”

FLOODS March 2018 Ingham Qld and surrounding areas

While Queensland has the highest occurrence of floods in the country, it’s concerning that the sunshine state is also the least prepared for a natural disaster, with a staggering 823,560 of Queenslanders not having any measures in place to protect themselves.

The information released by Finder.com.au also showed on a national level, 2.7 million Australians are not prepared for flood, cyclone or bushfire events even though all these natural disasters can and do occur in a number of areas across the country.

This weekend, multiple people have needed to be rescued in the Queensland floodwaters, with one lady even having a run-in with a crocodile.

How many of us are insured if a disaster damages our house or car? Not enough.

Whether it’s having an evacuation plan or a home insurance policy, taking precautions before a flood, bushfire or cyclone hits is important.

Nationally, a huge 28% of renters aren’t prepared for a natural disaster, compared to only 8% of homeowners.

Signs of the rain around #Cairns beginning to ease as the focus of rainfall shifts to the north and west. A number of flood watches and warnings are current. For more info visit: https://t.co/UZQQiZh2PI pic.twitter.com/FAG9FR4BSq

— Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) March 9, 2018

“It’s concerning that so many Queenslanders are unprepared in the case of a natural disaster,” said insurance expert Bessie Hassan.

More than 200 homes at Ingham needed to be evacuated and locals at Innisfail were also affected by the dangerous weather.

With the possible threat of a cyclone looming off the coast, Ms Hassan said: “Being precautionary now could prevent potentially thousands of dollars worth of damage later on.”

National damage from major cyclones between 2011-2016 resulted in over $1.4 billion worth of uninsured losses — 57% of the overall cost.

Research shows only one in seven national homes are prepared for an emergency and females are more unprepared than males, with 18% compared to just 12%.