QLD Floods: Rescue Missions, Flash Flood Warnings & Rainfall Forecasts
Queensland Flooding: Bus Rescue and Ongoing Flood Watch
A six-hour rescue operation concluded successfully on Saturday morning after a Greyhound bus became stranded in floodwaters in Central Queensland. Thirty-four passengers were safely evacuated after becoming isolated between two sections of floodwater on Fingerboard and Lowmead roads, near Mount Tom, between Miriam Vale and Agnes Water.
Queensland Fire Department state coordinator Chief Superintendent Rob Bonniwell explained the complexity of the rescue. “It couldn’t move, it couldn’t turn around, so really the only way to rescue the passengers was to escort them out and basically transport them,” he said. The passengers were transported two at a time over a distance of more than two kilometers due to the conditions.
Gladstone Regional Council Mayor Matt Burnett confirmed the passengers were taken to Miriam Vale. He noted the area had experienced significant rainfall, with most locations reporting around 150 millimeters, and some exceeding 200 millimeters overnight. Fingerboard Road is known to be a low-lying and flood-prone area.
The rescue comes as much of Queensland remains on flood watch, with heavy rainfall impacting various regions. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation in Far North Queensland, where the river at Daintree Village is already flooded. Reports indicate that heavy falls since Thursday evening have ripped boats from their moorings in the Daintree area.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) reports that the weather system is currently moving south-west of Georgetown. Richmond to Julia Creek are forecast to experience moderate to heavy rainfall today.
Further south, Sydney has also experienced significant rainfall, leading to flash flooding. While the immediate focus is on Queensland, other states are bracing for further deluge. A wet weekend is predicted for Brisbane, with the possibility of flash flooding.
Queensland Police News reported flash flooding in the Gladstone region, adding to the widespread concerns about the impact of the heavy rainfall. The ongoing situation highlights the vulnerability of Queensland communities to flooding events, particularly during periods of intense rainfall.
Authorities continue to urge residents in affected areas to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel, and heed all warnings issued by the BOM and local emergency services. The focus remains on ensuring the safety of communities and minimizing the impact of the flooding.