With much of north Queensland still feeling the impacts of severe weather that has lashed the region over the past few days, many roads remain closed.
The rural North Queensland town of Ingham has become completely isolated, as floodwaters cut the town off by road. With trucks unable to access the town, food and fuel is now in short supply. Images circulating show lines of people queuing up at supermarkets to replenish food supplies and at petrol stations to purchase fuel for generators.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has warned that over 200 millimetres of rain could still fall at Townsville, Ingham and surrounding over the coming days.
Flood warnings are in place for a number of river systems. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) shared an update at 5.33am this morning (February 5). There is currently a major flood warning for the Herbert River. Moderate flood warnings are in place for the Burdekin River, Connors, Isaac, Ross, Tully and Murray rivers, and the Haughton River Catchment. There are minor flood warnings in place for the Bohle, Don and Mulgrave rivers. And flood warnings for the Black, Proserpine, Russell and Gilbert Rivers and Bluewater Creek.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) says it’s working to assess and reopen Queensland roads impacted by flash flooding as soon as it is possible – and safe to do so.
“After floodwaters recede, it’s crucial that we conduct thorough inspections of the roads and associated infrastructure including bridges,” TMR said in a statement.
“Once the water level has subsided to a safe level, our inspection team and engineers will work on getting the road open as quickly and as safely as we can.
“Safety is our top priority, not only for motorists but for our inspection crews as well. Assessments will take place only when it is deemed safe for our crews to access and evaluate the affected areas.”
Leanne Dyer, who manages 13 Facebook groups, from various “On the Pads” pages to “Truck drivers food, showers and reviews Australia wide” and “Transport jobs Australia wide”, has been working hard to keep truckies informed of current road closures.
As of 7am this morning, she shared the following updates:
For the most up to date information on traffic alerts, road closures and conditions, visit QLDTraffic.qld.gov.au.
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