Downpours from a trough associated with ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper are continuing to ease this morning, as river levels across Far North Queensland begin to fall.
Key points:
- River levels have begun to fall to moderate levels as rain eases in some parts
- Another attempt will be made to evacuate Wujal Wujal, with flooding still impacting the area
- Several communities are still without power and water
Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Sarah Scully says there were still rainfall totals of around 100-130 millimetres, but it was "far more typical" for the region, and river gauges are steadily falling.
"Most of the rivers are now moderate or below moderate flood levels, we still have the Murray at major, but most of them are moderate, or even minor, which is great news" she said.
Since last Thursday, many areas from Tully to Cape Melville have already received between 400 and 1000 millimetres of rainfall, with localised falls of 1200-1600mm between Cairns and Cooktown.
Heavy weather yesterday forced authorities to abandon attempts to evacuate residents from the flooded town of Wujal Wujal, but Police Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy said another attempt will be made this morning.
"There are considerable plans for the morning in conjunction with the ADF to be able to undertake an evacuation," he said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will try to visit the region today, but said he did not want to get in the way of the rescue and recovery effort.
He said the disruption to essential transportation routes in the far north would be felt for some time.
"It will require the three levels of government to work together in order to overcome this," Mr Albanese said.
Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Laura Boekel said rain was expected to ease today.
"We have started to see that river system decline as the rainfall starts to ease," she said.
Queensland Fire and Emergency (QFES) said the SES responded to more than 40 requests for help per hour over the 24 hours to yesterday afternoon.
Rescue and relief efforts have been hampered by the closure of Cairns Airport due to flooding on the runway.
The runway was cleared yesterday, but Deputy Commissioner Chelepy said an engineering inspection today would determine when flights could resume.
The Cairns water treatment plant is operational again, delivering clean water to the CBD and hospital.
The treatment plant had been blocked by debris, preventing more water from being treated.
45 communities without power
Energy Minister Mick de Brenni said 90 per cent of households and businesses that lost power due to Cyclone Jasper have since been restored.
"But power has now gone out in 45 communities because of the heavy inundation," he said.
Mr de Brenni said it could take several more days to completely restore power.
He said it the exact time frame remains hard to predict due to the damage to roads and the significant amount of water moving around the region.
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2023-12-18 19:53:34Z
CBMiaGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFiYy5uZXQuYXUvbmV3cy8yMDIzLTEyLTE5L3FsZC1mbnEtZmxvb2QtbGF0ZXN0LXd1amFsLXd1amFsLWV2YWN1YXRpb24tcmFpbi1lYXNpbmcvMTAzMjQyNjgw0gEoaHR0cHM6Ly9hbXAuYWJjLm5ldC5hdS9hcnRpY2xlLzEwMzI0MjY4MA
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