Communities across Queensland's far north are bracing for further hardship as the lingering impacts of former Tropical Cyclone Koji trigger widespread flooding and severe isolation. The system has dumped enormous rainfall totals, doubling monthly averages and putting multiple regions on high alert.
Major Flood Threat for Rockhampton as River Rises
The immediate focus is on the Fitzroy River at Rockhampton, which is predicted to rise significantly following more than 100mm of rain in the catchment. This figure is double the typical January rainfall for the region. Rockhampton Mayor Tony Williams confirmed the city is now on flood alert, with several underground car parks already closed as a precaution.
"Over the next couple of days we'll start to monitor how that system is tracking and what the water levels will look like," Mayor Williams told Sunrise. He emphasised that while such events are not new, the situation is being taken seriously, with the local disaster management group, external agencies, and state government support all activated.
Emergency services have moved to an alert phase, and residents are being advised to avoid non-essential travel. Mayor Williams is scheduled to meet with the Bureau of Meteorology on Tuesday for critical updates.
Communities Isolated and Livestock Lost
The small highland community of Eungella, located west of Mackay, faces an extended period of isolation. Aerial footage reveals the devastating impact of huge landslides that have buckled the bitumen and caused large sections of the steep mountain road to fall away. Authorities warn Eungella could be cut off for up to three months.
The human toll is matched by a severe agricultural crisis. In the flood-ravaged Gulf Country, close to 50,000 head of livestock are reported missing or presumed dead. Premier David Crisafulli stated the government is conducting aerial drops of fodder and medical supplies but warned that losses are expected to increase.
"There will be individuals who are impacted on a really large scale, and the prospect of more rain in the days and weeks ahead will send a shiver down their spine," Premier Crisafulli said.
More Rain on the Way for Saturated Regions
In a cruel twist for recovering communities, the Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting another bout of wet weather. Meteorologist Dean Narramore said widespread rain and storms would return to the affected areas on Tuesday and Wednesday.
"Unfortunately we're going to see another rain event through there, in the middle and latter part of this week," Mr Narramore said. "That's not good news for residents and communities still recovering from ongoing flooding from that heavy rainfall we saw around the New Year period."
Rainfall figures highlight the scale of the deluge: Clarmont Airport recorded 203.2mm and Dysart received 220mm in the 24 hours to 7am Tuesday. As the weather system pushes south, the flood threat is shifting with it, keeping Queensland authorities and residents on high alert.
