Downpour causes flash flooding across region
By Kirra Livingstone
THE Hinterland received more rainfall in January 2024 than in the combined totals of the preceding two Januarys, including 2022, which was followed by devastating floods mere weeks later.
Last week, over 214mm descended on January 29 and 30, triggering widespread flash flooding and elevating the monthly totals to 563.6mm at Landsborough station.
Beerburrum Forest station logged 455.4mm, and Peachester station noted 455.7mm.
In contrast, January 2023 and 2022 saw Beerburrum at 44.6mm and 256.2mm, Peachester at 71.8mm and 306.3mm, and Landsborough at 69.6mm and 305.2mm.
The February 2022 floods featured nearly a meter of rainfall in parts of the southeast, causing extensive damage and loss of life.
Despite last week’s wet conditions, the upcoming week seems clearer, with a Bureau of Meteorology spokesperson saying there was a high chance of showers early this week, but rainfall is modest (mostly 1 to 3 mm, up to isolated 10 to 15 mm on Tuesday and Wednesday). So no rainfall of concern for the next week.
Intense rainfall not only saturated properties and flooded roads but also led to a tree falling on powerlines between the Glass House Mountains and Beerburrum train stations on January 29, impacting Sunshine Coast rail services.
A Queensland Rail spokesperson said: “Services were initially suspended between Caboolture and Gympie North stations in both directions; this was then reduced to between Caboolture and Nambour station – and they were replaced by buses.”
“The tree was removed from the overhead lines, and at approximately 5 pm yesterday (30 January), normal operations resumed between Nambour and Caboolture stations in both directions.”
To mitigate risks to life and property, it is advisable for everyone to have a Household Severe Weather Emergency Plan, including essential contact details, an evacuation plan, and a supplies kit.
For more information, visit www.getready.qld.gov.au.
