Disaster management group urges preparation for more rain to come

The Local Disaster Management Group is expecting the possibility of flooding in certain areas of the city as its chairman advises residents to prepare.

The flooded Allambie Lane in Rasmussen on Friday, December 20. Division 4 councillor Kristian Price is concerned motorists are driving through the water and ignoring closed signage. Picture: Supplied

Townsville Local Disaster Management Group believes there is a chance of flooding in areas of the city as it urges affected residents to prepare in case they need to leave.

An alert by the disaster management group sent by text has urged residents at Bohle River and Bluewater Creek to “watch and act” and that they should prepare to leave.

Meanwhile the Bureau of Meteorology has warned severe thunderstorms with “intense” rainfall have developed west of Townsville.

The group’s chairman Andrew Robinson said there had been significant rainfall in the city with river and creek levels steadily rising, and it was forecast for further rain on Friday evening and Saturday.

“Two of the areas we are particularly concerned about is the suburbs around the Bohle River and Bluewater Creek, with water rising there is a high likelihood of localised flooding in the next three to six hours.

“So we’re asking residents (to) assess the area now and be prepared to leave if the flooding worsens.”

“Residents in these areas should take measures to get ready now and move to higher ground if they are concerned about flooding in their home.

“Make sure you take any important documentation with you as well as medication and your emergency kit, lift important things onto benches, tables, high shelves or upstairs to protect them.

“Charge your mobile phones and block toilets, sinks and drains with sandbags to stop sewerage backflow if you can.

“If you require evacuation assistance, contact SES on 132 500 and if you’re on the road drive to the conditions, do not put your life at risk, remember, it’s flooded, forget it.”

Since 3pm sand was available for sandbags at four different locations.

Sand was available at the Cungulla Community Centre, sand and limited sandbags were available at Lou Litster Park, the Bluewater Community Centre, and the corner of Mount Low Parkway and the Bruce Highway at Mount Low.

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

1:40PM: The Townsville Local Disaster Management Group has been stood up following heavy rainfall across Townsville, and with intense rain forecasted today and Saturday morning.

The disaster management chair Andrew Robinson said there would be sand to fill sandbags at four locations from 3pm, which were at Lou Litster Park, the Bluewater Community Centre, Cungulla Community Centre, and the corner of Mount Low Parkway and the Bruce Highway at Mount Low.

Mr Robinson said Ross River would also be closed to sports and recreation and that reopening this would depend on the weather.

“Water is rising steadily in our rivers and creeks, particularly the Ross River and the Bohle River, so please be aware of flooding if you are nearby.

“Townsville residents are used to heavy rainfall, however with the Bureau’s advice of heavy and intense rainfall throughout today and tomorrow we want residents to be as prepared as possible,” Mr Robinson said.

Allambie Lane has been flooded over and motorists have been warned not to cross.

“As this rain continues and localised flooding increases we need all residents to stay safe.

“Prepare now by going through your emergency plan with your household, having your emergency kit ready and being prepared to leave if required. If anyone in your household has a medical condition make sure their medication is in your emergency kit.”

TLDMG is encouraging residents to ensure their homes are secured with windows and doors closed.

Townsville Local Disaster Management Group chairman Andrew Robinson has cautioned residents to prepare emergency kits. Picture: Evan Morgan

Meanwhile, Allambie Lane in Rasmussen is blocked by flood waters.

Division 4 councillor Kristian Price said he was concerned that motorists were ignoring closed road signs to drive through the water.

“This is extremely dangerous, for your own safety, please stay clear of the flooded area and remember, if it’s flooded, forget it,” Mr Price said.

Road sign closures at Woodstock-Giru Rd. Picture: Daneka Hill

“Your life is worth far more than the inconvenience of finding another route.”
Mr Price said the area had been a “reoccurring problem” with flooding for years and he believed there needed to be an alternative access route for impacted residents in the area to be able to access essential services.

But motorists still needed to act responsibly and obey road signs.

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

Originally published as Disaster management group urges preparation for more rain to come