Major flooding has been battering North Queensland, causing significant disruptions at local airports and impacting the daily lives of residents. With rainfall levels reaching disturbing figures, airports such as Townsville and Mackay were forced to react swiftly to the changing conditions.
On Sunday, February 2, severe weather led to the closure of Townsville Airport at 12:30 PM, only for it to reopen the following morning at 5:30 AM. Travelers were advised to monitor their flight statuses closely before arriving, as airport access is available via Meenan Street and John Melton Black Drive.
Mackay Airport also shuttered its operations after receiving 150mm of rainfall overnight, but by 2:00 PM, it opened its doors again. Authorities at Mackay Airport cautioned passengers, stating, “Airlines will make their own operational decisions... Customers who are due to depart or arrive at Mackay Airport are advised to contact your airline directly for more information.” Despite the reopening, continuous weather concerns remained, leading to uncertainty for travelers.
Meanwhile, Cairns Airport has remained operational throughout the crisis, adding to the regional transportation options still available to those affected.
The impact of the flooding has been catastrophic, particularly for towns like Townsville, which experienced more than one meter of rainfall within just 48 hours. Herbert MP Phillip Thompson shared grim insights during an interview with Sky News, saying, “There is [sic] a lot of homes inundated with flood water.” The local representative described the situation as dire, particularly for full evacuation centers and the distress it caused among residents fighting to keep their homes dry.
Evacuation centers are at capacity as many residents find themselves displaced due to the overwhelming conditions. “Over the next few days we will see some more... And then hopefully start our clean-up,” Thompson remarked, underscoring the tough reality facing many within the community.
The economic effects are palpable, with hundreds left without power due to the severe conditions. Cars have been abandoned, unable to navigate submerged streets. Local authorities are left to assess the damages and plan for recovery, ensuring residents can return to their homes and lives as soon as possible.
While March typically welcomes lighter rainshowers, this season has proven unusually fierce for the northern regions of Queensland. With more heavy rain likely on the horizon, aviation authorities and local councils remain vigilant, continuously updating travel advisories and emergency measures.
Moving forward, the community's resilience will be tested as they band together to recover from these unusual weather patterns. Having already dealt with extensive environmental challenges, North Queenslanders are no strangers to such events but remain hopeful for effective and timely support during cleanup and recovery efforts following the floods.
For now, those traveling to or from Queensland are advised once again to stay updated on their airlines' announcements. The best course of action is to contact airlines directly before making any plans or heading out to the airport, remaining ever mindful of local conditions.
Townsville and Mackay airports are now operational but closely monitor the naturally occurring weather phenomena. Passengers are encouraged to stay informed and cautious, as fluctuative weather can cause sudden changes at these transport hubs.