Rainy holiday period raises flooding fears
MORE than 450mm of rain in the Daintree River catchment has triggered a major flood warning as some Far North roads became impassable and residents called for sandbags.
To the south, minor flooding occurred at the Mulgrave River and water began to lap the edge of the Ryan Weare Park Bridge where it crosses Freshwater Creek.
More than 135mm was collected in the gauge at Cairns Airport in the 36-hour period to 6pm last night and more is on the way, according to the Bureau of Meteorology .
Kuranda single mum Tash Bailey said her drains have been flooded for days and was afraid floodwater would inundate her house, leaving her scrambling to locate sandbags.
“I’m a single parent and have a toddler ... with no one close enough to help,” she said.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Service said requests for sandbags could be made directly to the local SES crews on 132 500 and they would then deliver the bags.
“We have currently got one job in Cairns, three in Innisfail and two in Edmonton and that is for leaking roofs,” spokeswoman said.
“It’s the usual, if it’s flooded forget it, message.
“We urge people to steer clear of flooded water. Be patient and have a plan B if planning to head on a journey.”
Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Abiti Sharan said today there was a very high chance of rain, between 30mm and 70mm expected to swell creeks and rivers beyond Wednesday’s levels.
“We are still expecting heavy rain over Cairns,” Ms Sharan said.
“We are still monitoring the flood situation and there is still a chance of heavy falls the
“The water has not had time to recede so the risk is still there.”
She urged people to observe flood warnings and keep an eye on council flood cameras.
Heavy rainfall is forecast today across the Daintree and Mossman River catchments, which is likely to cause further river level rises.
Leading into New Year a monsoon trough is expected to dump more rain but beyond January 1 the bureau is “uncertain how this will play out”.
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