Emergency Evacuation in Far North Queensland: Flash Flooding on Copperfield River
The residents of Einasleigh, a small town in Far North Queensland's Gulf Country, are facing an urgent situation as the Copperfield River has burst into flash flooding, prompting an emergency evacuation order from the Etheridge Shire Council.
The council issued an emergency warning about the Copperfield Dam and River, urging all residents in the area to leave immediately. The situation is critical, with the river's rapid rise threatening homes and infrastructure.
The Gregory Developmental Road, connecting Einasleigh to the Gulf Developmental Road, has been closed due to the flooding, according to QLDTraffic. Additionally, the Gilbert River Bridge between Croydon and Georgetown is also closed due to heavy rain.
Mayor Barry Hughes advised residents to move to higher ground on the Einasleigh-Forsayth Road, emphasizing the severity of the situation. He stated that houses are at risk of inundation, and some residents have already been relocated to a safe muster point on the outskirts of town.
Police confirmed that the heavy rain has caused the Copperfield Dam to spill over, creating 'very dangerous' conditions. The dam's spillway is overtopping with a massive amount of water, with rainfall reaching 250mm in the Copperfield River catchment overnight.
The exact peak of the flood remains unknown, as the region is experiencing ongoing heavy downpours across multiple river systems. The low-pressure system embedded in the monsoon trough is adding to the uncertainty.
Community members are taking action, with Chelsea Mosch at Jardine Station north of Einasleigh witnessing the rapid rise of the water. She described the situation as 'crazy', with the water rising at a rate of a metre per hour. Mosch is preparing to leave for higher ground, hoping to protect her home.
The Einasleigh Hotel, recently purchased by Tayla Wellby, is also affected. The pub is experiencing rising waters, and Wellby is evacuating her young family. She shared that the water has made its way inside the pub and is still rising, with the Copperfield River's rapid rise following heavy rains.
Wellby mentioned that the water levels were normal around 6:30 am but had already covered the bridge by noon. The situation is so severe that even the former publican of 26 years at the hotel had never seen it so high.
The family plans to retreat to a nearby hill, and Wellby and her husband, along with their three young children, have relocated 300 kilometres inland from Townsville in recent weeks, seeking higher ground.
In addition to the Copperfield River's flooding, heavy rain is causing issues throughout north Queensland. The Bruce Highway has been cut north of Ingham at the Seymour River, leading to lengthy delays for drivers. A moderate flood warning has been issued for the Herbert River, and communities in the Lower Herbert area are expected to become isolated soon.
Mayor Ramon Jayo warned that the heavy rain is likely to cause multiple road closures in the area by Tuesday evening, urging residents to reconsider their travel plans. Despite the challenges, Jayo assured that no major flooding is expected during this event, but the situation remains fluid.
As the residents of Einasleigh and surrounding areas navigate this emergency, the community's resilience and cooperation will be crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of all involved.
