Tropical Cyclone Jasper: Flood threat remains as looters strike

The clean-up has begun in Far North Queensland as floodwaters in some areas subside, but the Bureau of Meteorology has warned the continued downpour could see rivers and creeks rise again.

The clean-up has begun in Far North Queensland as floodwaters in some areas subside, but the Bureau of Meteorology has warned the continued downpour could see rivers and creeks rise again.

In Mossman, residents evacuated in the middle of the night after the Mossman River broke its banks have returned home to assess the damage and begin cleaning the thick layer of mud washed in by floodwaters.

Mossman St resident David Egan has lived at his riverside property for almost 50 years and said this was only the third time the Mossman River had flooded his home.

David Egan kicks off the flood clean-up after flooding caused by ex-tropical cyclone Jasper. Picture: Liam Kidston

The second story of the highset home was spared but more than a metre flooded in downstairs, destroying his bar, pool table and motorbike.

“It was about 2am Thursday morning when we got out,” he said.

“We’ve never left here before but the council sent us a text saying to leave so we did the right thing and got out. We went to the evacuation centre.”

Mr Egan said the water was up to the fifth step of his home when they escaped, wading out through the rising floodwaters.

Kevin and Debbie Barnes at their home alongside the Mossman River. Picture: Liam Kidston

On Friday morning, he began the mammoth task of cleaning the thick layer of mud from the walls, floors and furniture.

“But there’s not too much we can do because we still don’t have power,” he said. “We’ve done it before though.”

Mr Egan said despite the heartache, he wouldn’t want to live anywhere else, pointing to his “waterfront views” of the still raging Mossman River metres away.

“This is the best place in town,” he said.

Across the road, Debbie and Kevin Barnes decided to wait out Cyclone Jasper in their highset home, nervously watching the river consume their backyard.

“We’ve lived here for 35 years and this is only the second time it’s gotten up this far,” Ms Barnes said. “The last time was 15 years ago.”

Four-wheel drive vehicles driving through water over the road at Foxton Bridge in Mossman. Picture: Liam Kidston

The pair said they felt confident waiting out the water on the top floor.

“We knew it wouldn’t get up to our house,” Ms Barnes said.

“If it came in here, the whole town would be underwater.”

Mr Barnes said the water reached the cement slab downstairs and engulfed their yard, adding that it was a long night waiting for Jasper to pass over.

“The cyclone was a bit concerning at times,” he said.

Tree lopping is under way in Port Douglas as part of cyclone clean-up. Picture: Liam Kidston

“It was blowing at 140k through here. I’m surprised some of the trees stood up to it.”

Ms Barnes agreed, saying the experience was “a bit wild”.

“I can’t believe it was a category two, it felt worse,” she said.

Mr Barnes said while there was no electricity or phone service, they kept in touch with other neighbours who had decided to stay as best they could.

“We didn’t have any communications so it was just a matter of sticking the lights out the window and flashing them around and singing out ‘you right over there’,” he said.

“Everyone seemed pretty okay.”

Mick Burford of Mossman rescues a cockatoo injured by strong winds. Picture: Peter Carruthers

The Mossman River burst its banks at the Foxton Bridge. Picture: Liam Kidston

Mr Barnes also pointed to his waterfront views from the deck.

“Usually we have a nice view here, but the river is a bit angry at the moment,” he said.

“It will take its time to recede.”

The Foxton Bridge at Mossman is still closed with water across the road but dozens of four-wheel drives are continuing to cross.

Down the road in Port Douglas, crews were also out continuing the huge clean-up of fallen trees and debris that litter the streets, cutting off roads and stopping traffic.

Thousands of residents across the Far North are still without power and Mossman also has no phone reception.

A severe weather warning remains in place for the north coast and tabland and parts of Cape York Peninsula and there is still a major flood warning for the Daintree River, with possible flooding at Daintree Village. There is a flood warning also for the Mossman River.

There were reports of looting in many towns – including Cairns, Trinity Beach and Palm Cove – in the wake of Jasper while people sheltered from the weather, with offenders warned they would be found.

Major roads, including the Captain Cook Highway, are still cut.

Residents in the Cairns and Douglas communities were asked to preserve water with Copperlode Dam impacted by debris from the storm.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said in addition to the floodwaters, the residents evacuated from the low-lying area in Mossman Street also had to watch out for crocodiles. He said there was still a possibility Mossman could be isolated by flooding but noted “that’s life in the tropics”.

“We flood all the time,” he said. “Not this bad, though. This is the worst they have seen it. This is the lowest area in Mossman. The only (other) thing they need to worry about is the crocs.”

Jack Perris, 11, plays in the floodwaters of the Mossman River at the Foxton Bridge. Picture: Liam Kidston

Originally published as Tropical Cyclone Jasper: Flood threat remains as looters strike