Government declares a disaster situation in the flood-affected township of Mitchell in south-west Queensland
February 2, 2012
The Queensland Government has declared a disaster situation in the flood-affected township of Mitchell in the south west of the state, as heavy rain continues to pound the region.
Premier Anna Bligh made the call after the Bureau of Meteorology advised her a river that runs through the town could rise to a height of nine metres today.
She says the declaration gives emergency services and Queensland Police the power to evacuate residents if necessary.
“The situation at Mitchell, situated on the Maranoa River between Charleville and Roma, continues to be managed by local disaster management groups. There is currently water in one property and the river continues to rise,” Bligh says.
“Residents in low lying areas are advised to consider self evacuation to higher ground where possible.”
Evacuation centres have been set up at a local sports ground, and Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts says heavy rain is expected to develop across parts of inland Queensland today.
“This continued rainfall could potentially worsen any existing flooding and/or cause localised flash flooding. I urge impacted residents to contact the State Emergency Service for assistance on 132 500,” Roberts says.
An emergency alert was issued in Charleville last night after Bradley’s Gully peaked at 1.75 metres.
“Fortunately, waters rose less than expected, with no water going back through previously affected properties,” Roberts says.
“I am advised that all but three families are expected to be back in their homes by the end of today.”