Five people were rescued from floodwaters in central Queensland overnight, including three people who were found clinging to a tree in fast-moving waters after escaping a stranded vehicle. The rescues occurred asflood warnings remained in place for rivers and catchments across most of Queensland due to heavy rainfall from a slow-moving tropical storm that made landfall on the state's northeast coast on Friday afternoon, with the tropical low moving west across central Queensland on Saturday.
Overnight, a number of motorists attempted to drive through flood waters resulting in a number of swift water rescue operations in the Gladstone region.About 7.55pm, police were called to Pony Club Road, South Street following reports a silver Holden Commodore had become trapped in flood water. The driver, a 33-year-old Telina man and passenger, a 32-year-old Gladstone Central man, were rescued by emergency services and sustained minor injuries.
A second rescue followed soon after.About 8.15pm, police and emergency services were called to Baldaw Road, Captain Creek following reports a car had attempted to cross a flooded road when it became stuck. With rising flood waters, the three occupants, a 23-year-old man, a 47-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman, all from Captain Creek, were forced to flee the vehicle to a nearby tree before being rescued.
The incidents highlight the dangers of ignoring flood warnings.Authorities urge all motorists to drive to the conditions, and never drive, walk, or swim through floodwater, remembering the key safety message: if it is flooded, forget it. From a public safety perspective, the pattern of drivers attempting to cross floodwaters despite official warnings suggests the need for clearer communication about the rapid onset of dangerous conditions and the serious risks involved.
The rescues form part of a broader flooding event affecting Queensland and the Northern Territory.Five people were rescued on Friday night and patients have been evacuated from a hospital amid major flooding in the Australian state of Queensland and the neighbouring Northern Territory.For assistance with non-life-threatening situations such as help with a damaged roof or storm damage, the public can phone the State Emergency Service on 132 500.