North Queensland is facing severe flooding as emergency alerts continue to be issued for several regions, particularly affecting Townsville and the Hinchinbrook area. On Sunday, February 2, 2025, Hinchinbrook Local Disaster Management Group issued a stark emergency warning at 7:40 AM for residents to seek shelter immediately due to dangerous flooding across the region.
Authorities have predicted floodwaters at the ingham pump station will reach 15 meters by early afternoon, nearing the record set back during the devastating floods of 1967, which peaked at 15.2 meters. Changes have been made to evacuation centers, with the Cyclone Shelter now located at 12 Menzies Street. Residents are advised to remain indoors if conditions make it too hazardous to leave, stressing the importance of getting to higher ground.
Meanwhile, residents of low-lying areas of Townsville have also received evacuation orders, with floodwaters expected to rise to second-storey levels. Premier David Crisafulli reported the tragic death of one person due to flooding, prompting swift action from local disaster management teams.
"Your safety is more important than anything else," Crisafulli stated, urging residents to heed warnings. He emphasized the seriousness of the situation, showcasing extreme rainfall levels of up to 620mm measured over just 20 hours. "That should give you perspective on how big it is," he noted during comments made to ABC.
The severe downpours come on the heels of previous flooding events, with certain suburbs, particularly those affected during the floods of February 2019, warned about the potential for flooding reaching levels not seen since. Emergency services explained the necessity of immediate evacuation, stating, "Flooding to second-storey floors is possible. Single-storey buildings could be fully flooded. It may become too dangerous for emergency services to rescue you." This call to action was reiterated by Andrew Robinson, chair of the Townsville Local Disaster Management Group, who noted some residents, citing past experiences from 2019, chose to stay behind.
Robinson remarked, “The majority [have] evacuated. Some were long-term residents who had gone through the 2019 floods and had elected to stay. I would ask them to reconsider. They’re going to be without power. Consider your safety first.”
Crisafulli communicated warnings about complacency, reminding residents of the flood potential, with the region still awaiting additional rainfall. He expressed urgency, stating, “There is more rain to come. Take those precautions, prepare for the worst.”
To mitigate the impact of these floods, authorities also took precautionary measures by shutting down the electricity substation at ingham, which will complicate support efforts. Further emphasis has been placed on the urgency of evacuation, particularly for low-lying areas where flooding is already occurring or imminent.
Residents were advised to gather their evacuation kits and move to higher ground. The situation has necessitated the involvement of the Australian Defence Force to provide assistance, with disaster coordinators urging the community to remain vigilant about alerts and emergency services instructions.
“The next 24 hours, it is absolutely -critical you heed emergency services and stay alive to the alerts,” stated state disaster coordinator Shane Chelepy. The strong storms and flash flooding are compounded by rising river levels, leading to serious risks for local communities.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the weekend rainfall is significant, as forecasts indicate some areas could receive rainfall upwards of one meter within the following days: “We’ve seen torrential rainfall continue, with widespread falls of 200mm to 300mm, with isolated areas experiencing even greater totals.” This projection raises alarm bells for safety, with expectations of flooded homes, businesses, and infrastructure continuing to escalate.
Overall, the emergency situation showcases the raw power of nature and the necessity for quick response and community cooperation during such natural disasters. With clear directives from state officials and local management groups, residents are encouraged to prioritize safety for themselves and their loved ones during this precarious time.