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Queensland Floods Isolate Towns, Stranding Holidaymakers
5 Jan
Summary
- Heavy rains have isolated western Queensland towns for about a week.
- Some travelers ignored digital maps, relying on local knowledge to avoid danger.
- A severe flood event in Queensland's north and west impacted many communities.
Northern and western Queensland communities have been significantly impacted by severe flooding, leading to road closures and town isolation. Many areas received between 200 and 500mm of rain in the week leading up to Sunday, effectively cutting off major routes and stranding numerous holiday travelers. This situation highlights the crucial role of local knowledge over digital navigation in extreme weather.
In towns like Winton, residents and stranded visitors have been looking out for each other, with disaster management resources being utilized. While most travelers heeded warnings, some encountered difficulties, requiring rescue or airlifts. Similar incidents occurred in the Wet Tropics region, where a family was rescued from rising waters by local farmers.
Authorities are urging visitors to prioritize safety by consulting the Bureau of Meteorology and local shire updates before traveling. Despite current flood warnings, there is hope for a return to normal conditions within a couple of weeks, after which the region is expected to showcase its natural beauty.
