TLDMG moves to ‘stand up’ with residents in flood prone areas urged to Watch and Act
Date published: 20 December 2024
The Townsville Local Disaster Management Group (TLDMG) has moved to ‘stand up’ as the potential for localised flooding grows with increasing heavy rainfall expected to continue over the next 12 hours before heading east.
The Bureau of Meteorology has advised further rain, likely heavy at times, is forecast for the remainder of Friday and into Saturday potentially causing further river level rises, while not ruling out the possibility of major flooding.
TLDMG Chair Andrew Robinson said there was a likely chance of localised flooding in certain areas throughout the city and for residents to continue to assess the situation in preparation to leave.
“We have already seen significant rainfall figures across the city, and with it river and creek levels steadily rising,” Cr Robinson said.
“Two of the areas we are particularly concerned about is the suburbs around the Bohle River and Bluewater Creek, with water rising there is a high likelihood of localised flooding in the next three to six hours, so we’re asking residents assess the situation now and be prepared to leave if the flooding worsens.
“Residents in these areas should take measures to get ready now and move to higher ground if they are concerned about flooding in their home.
“Make sure you take any important documentation with you as well as medication and your emergency kit, lift important things onto benches, tables, high shelves or upstairs to protect them.
“Charge your mobile phones and block toilets, sinks and drains with sandbags to stop sewerage backflow if you can.
“If you require evacuation assistance, contact SES on 132 500 and if you’re on the road drive to the conditions, do not put your life at risk, remember, it’s flooded, forget it.”
Cr Robinson said sand and limited sandbags was available at a number of locations across Townsville.
“Sand is available at the Cungulla Community Centre, while sand and limited sandbags are available at Lou Litster Park, the Bluewater Community Centre and the corner of Mount Low Parkway and the Bruce Highway at Mount Low,” he said.
To stay up to date visit the Emergency Management and Disaster Dashboard, listen to local radio or phone 13 48 10.
