SAES responds to ‘once-in-a-century’ flood crisis in North Queensland
The Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) are assisting hundreds of people in North Queensland as heavy rainfall continues to lead to severe flooding.
Heavy rain began last Wednesday, and within a few days, Townsville, Innisfail, Ingham, Gordonvale, Cardwell, and many surrounding areas of the Hinchinbrook Region were inundated with floodwater.
SAES General Manager Daryl Crowden said the Salvos were “bringing people, support and resources” to Townsville and would remain engaged with Queensland and the local governments for as long as necessary.
“We provided over 700 meals today (Sunday 2 February) and with the Bureau of Meteorology advising that this will be a significant protracted event going into late next week, we could be here for a while,” Daryl said.
“Many of those sitting in an evacuation centre, or staying with friends or family, are wondering what they will return to.”
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli warned North Queensland residents that rain, flooding, power outages and critical infrastructure damage could get worse.
“This is a serious event,” he said, describing the flooding as monsoonal and a “once-in-a-century occurrence”.
Townsville suffered severe flooding in 2019 and many residents are saying these floods could be worse.
“Perhaps because of lessons learned in 2019, yesterday and today, people have been asked to evacuate their homes and towns for their own safety,” Daryl said.
“For some, the memories of their 2019 experiences are all too real, and the community is unsettled and anxious for the days ahead.
“The community of Ingham is also facing the same anxious wait as flood waters reach the second floor of homes; the typical Queenslanders built high for this very weather are going under again. Other towns, remain isolated and cut off – no power, no fresh drinking water.”
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