Cut- off Proserpine has to fend for itself

PROSERPINE may remain isolated for at least another day as torrential rain continued to be dumped on the town last night.

Emergency crews from Mackay will again attempt to access the town at first light this morning after heavy flooding along the highway forced them back yesterday.

Residents have been left alone to deal with the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Debbie, which left significant structural damage to businesses and homes when it passed over on Tuesday.

Locals have described it as the scariest day of their lives after the Category 4 storm tore apart industrial sheds, crumpled brick buildings and ripped off tin roofs.

A Powerlink crew was flown in to inspect the Proserpine substation and the 90km of transmission line to Collinsville yesterday, as power and telecommunications remained cut for more than 36 hours.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk visited the town in an army helicopter to survey the extent of the destruction.

Leah Borghero, who runs the A & A Motel Proserpine, said she and her husband spent Tuesday calming terrified guests – many young international visitors – as the cyclone raged. “Across the road, the roof is off and there is a rescue boat over there. I’d say they’re getting someone out,” she said.

“The streets are flowing with water and the rain is still bucketing down.”

Whitsunday Regional Council deputy mayor John Collins, who is in Proserpine, said it could take some time to clean up the town.