Townsville City is on high alert as flooding conditions escalate, prompting authorities to issue urgent evacuation warnings for low-lying, flood-prone areas.
The Townsville City Council has declared a 'prepare to leave' warning covering extensive sections of the region, from Mutarnee to Cungulla, affecting residents vulnerable to rising waters from consistent and intense rainfall. "Due to widespread localised flooding across the Townsville Local Government Area, you might need to leave if conditions worsen," the council stated on its disaster dashboard around 5:46 PM.
The message is clear: if you experience flooding and feel it is unsafe to remain at home, now is the time to take action. Dangerous conditions are anticipated to worsen, leading to numerous local road closures and impacting bridges across the area.
To aid residents forced to vacate their homes, Heatley Secondary College has been opened as the primary evacuation centre. Townsville Local Disaster Management Group chair Andrew Robinson emphasized the need for residents to be prepared: "If you are experiencing flooding and believe it is unsafe to stay, prepare to leave now. Do not wait for additional advice or emergency services to come to your door."
Robinson recommends seeking refuge with family or friends rather than relying solely on evacuation centres, which are intended for temporary use. He stated, "Evacuation centres are places to stay dry, but they should not be your first choice if you need to leave your home, and they are not meant for long-term stays." Residents planning to evacuate should make arrangements for their pets as well, as animals will not be permitted at the centre.
To prepare for leaving, Robinson instructs residents to secure their property by moving vehicles to higher ground, elevATING important items onto benches or shelves, and utilizing sandbags to prevent sewerage backflow. He advised everyone to charge their mobile devices, lock windows and doors, and map out safe routes to their chosen places of refuge. Importantly, Robinson cautioned against driving through floodwaters.
With the anticipated complications from continuing rainfall, the community is urged to remain vigilant and take precautions seriously. The evacuation centre located at 321 Fulham Road, Heatley, is open to those needing immediate assistance.
This precautionary measure reflects the council's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents as severe weather poses significant threats across Townsville. Community members are reminded to stay informed through official channels and adhere to safety directives issued by local authorities.