Queensland Police search for man missing in Far North Queensland as flood clean-up begins
Authorities are searching for a man missing during the floods as rescue efforts continue to focus on those still stranded.
Authorities are searching for man missing from a remote community in Far North Queensland as rescue efforts continue to evacuate the remaining people stranded after major flooding.
State disaster co-ordinator Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy said about 97 residents had been rescued from Wujal Wujal by Australian Defence Force (ADF) members on Tuesday.
He confirmed the remaining 35 people would be evacuated on Wednesday.
But emergency crews are continuing their search for an 85-year-old man missing in Degarra, a town near Wujal Wujal.
Speaking from Cairns, Queensland Premier Steven Miles said while it was a “miracle” nobody had been killed during the natural disaster, search efforts were still under way for the man who was last seen on Sunday.
“We have teams out looking for him, we’re very concerned for his wellbeing, especially now that they’ve been able to access his property and can’t find him,” Mr Miles said
A Queensland Police spokeswoman said authorities held “grave concerns” for the missing man.
She urged anyone with information about the man’s whereabouts to contact Police Link on 131 000
“I’d just like to assure the community that we’re doing everything that we can to search for him,” she said.
Evacuation efforts continue
Those still isolated are also expected to receive food drops where made available by support crews.
“We’re working very closely with our local disaster co-ordination centres in those affected areas,” the QPS spokeswoman said.
“And it’s certainly a priority. We have our emergency management co-ordinators working very closely to support the operations on the ground.”
“The situation is unfolding as we speak.
“We know that we need to support the Wujal Wujal community and evacuate them into Cooktown today.
“We would hope that by the end of today, we would have completed those evacuations.
“We have police helicopters entering our isolated communities to look for people and to make sure that they’re safe.
“If police find people on the ground and they need to be moved, then they will be evacuated using those helicopters.”
The QPS spokeswoman said police had not received any reports of looting but were continuing to monitor for any alleged offending.
“We’re aware that is a major concern for the community in situations like this,” she said.
“We have high-visibility patrols in areas where police can access to make sure that we are being very proactive with offending in those areas.”
Flood warnings
As residents start the clean-up in the flood-affected areas of Far North Queensland, the Bureau of Meteorology continues to have warnings in place for some regions.
The following flood watches and warnings are current:
- Flood watch for parts of The Cape York Peninsula
- Initial minor flood warning for the Paroo River (QLD)
- Minor Flood warning for the Herbert River
- Minor flood warning for the Tully and Murray rivers
- Final flood warning for the Daintree and Mossman rivers
- Final flood warning for the Russell River
Meanwhile, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has offered to help in the clean-up effort in Far North Queensland “in any way”.
The newly elected leader was in Sydney on Wednesday morning for his first official trip abroad to meet with Anthony Albanese.
He paid tribute to Mr Albanese’s response to the disaster and for Australia’s help during Cyclone Gabrielle earlier this year.
“We are a family and we step up for each other in times of need,” Mr Luxon said at a joint press conference.
“I want you to know that New Zealand’s hearts go to the people of North Queensland and we’re here to help in any way that you think we can.”
Mr Albanese is expected to travel to the disaster zone later on Wednesday afternoon, continuing his visit into Thursday.
