Townsville flood: Evacuation centre opens in Heatley as council issues prepare to leave warning

Townsville City Council has issued a ‘prepare to leave’ warning for an expansive area covering low-lying and flood-prone areas as an evacuation centre opens.

Heavy rain lashes Townsville causing flash flooding. Police block Townsend Street, Mysterton. Picture: Evan Morgan

Townsville City Council has issued a ‘prepare to leave’ warning for an expansive area covering low-lying and flood-prone areas in the local government area from Mutarnee to Cungulla.

“Due to consistent and intense rainfall there is widespread localised flooding across the Townsville LGA,” it warned on its disaster dashboard at 5.46pm.

“You might need to leave if conditions worsen.”

Residents are warned if you are experiencing flooding and believe it is unsafe to stay, prepare to leave now.

If your life is in danger, call triple-0 immediately.

Council advised that flooding above ground floor level is likely in some places, with many local road closures including bridges are in place.

Evacuation centre open

Heatley Secondary College is now opening as an evacuation centre for Townsville residents who must leave their homes.

Consistent and intense rainfall has caused widespread localised flooding across Townsville. Residents may need to leave if conditions get worse.

Townsville Local Disaster Management Group chair Andrew Robinson said residents should be prepared to leave.

“If you are experiencing flooding and believe it is unsafe to stay, prepare to leave now. Do not wait for further advice or emergency service to come to your door,” Cr Robinson said.

“Try to stay with family and friends if you need to leave your home. Evacuation centres are a place to stay dry, but they should not be your first choice if you need to leave your home and they are not a place to stay long-term,” Cr Robinson said.

“Planning for your pet is part of disaster preparations. If you need to go to an evacuation centre, you must find a safe place for your pet to stay, whether that is with family or friends. Pets will not be permitted at the evacuation centre.”

To prepare to leave, move cars to high ground, lift important things onto benches, tables or high shelves, charge your mobile phones and block toilets, sink and drains with sandbags to stop sewerage backflow.

Lock your windows and doors. Decide how you will get to your safe place, and do not drive through floodwater.

The Heatley Secondary College evacuation centre is at 321 Fulham Road, Heatley.

Originally published as Townsville flood: Evacuation centre opens in Heatley as council issues prepare to leave warning