Authorities urge People to evacuate as floods overwhelm North Queensland

Residents in North Queensland, Australia, have been told to evacuate due to severe rainfall and flooding.

As the floodwaters continue to rise, people living in areas like Cluden, Hermit Park, Idalia, Oonoonba, Railway Estate, and Rosslea are urged to leave by 12pm today.

Authorities were out early, knocking on doors and advising people to gather their loved ones and belongings and leave before the flood arrives. Officials also warned residents not to wait for a knock and to evacuate on their own if possible.

Andrew Robinson, Chair of the Townsville Local Disaster Management Group, announced the evacuation order yesterday, saying, “Residents in the black zone must evacuate by 12 noon tomorrow.”

Reports indicate that single-story homes are at the greatest risk, with floodwaters potentially reaching up to second-story levels. The Ingham Pump Station is expected to hit 15m later today, with the 1967 floods peaking at 15.2m, according to Queensland Police.

Rescue crews have already carried out evacuations in Ingham, about an hour outside Townsville, helping families escape rising waters. Evacuation centers have been set up at Heatley Secondary College (321 Fulham Road, Heatley) and Townsville Sports Precinct (24 Burke Street, North Ward), although the second location is only accepting animals.