At least 2 dead in Australia's latest flash floods

[News_Editor]

At least 2 dead in Australia's latest flash floods

2011-01-10 15:42:02 GMT+7 (ICT)

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA (BNO NEWS) -- At least 2 people have died in the latest flash floods that have struck Australia's Queensland area, local media reported Monday.

Queensland Fire and Rescue Service Assistant Commissioner Tom Dawson confirmed a death toll of two after the flash flooding Monday afternoon hit the city of Toowoomba and the Locker Valley, west of Brisbane, the Brisbane Times reported.

Dawson explained that the flash flooding took everyone off guard, and 90 life-threatening incidents were reported in which rescue teams were deployed to assist residents. However, two people did not survive the sudden wall of water, and witnesses say one of them was a woman walking on the street who was later found dead in Toowoomba.

In addition, several people were trapped in their vehicles and buildings.

Since November, heavy rainfall has caused strong flooding in Australia, which has killed 11 people and affected over 200,000.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-01-10

[Wallaby]

I think that is only in the latest flash floods. All up I think there are about 12 dead. Flood waters still rising and now Brisbane itself is getting hit. Bad times ahead for many and no sign of the rains stopping.

Just crazy considering a few months ago we were on water rationing and the dam levels at record lows.

[garyh]

Very bad in Toowoomba where I lived most of my life. ABC Many mention 74 floods, if a Cyclone does come in like that time then there will very massive problems as there are as many new houses now in areas that where flooded then.

Edited January 11, 2011 by garyh

[cdnvic]

From the Australian Red Cross:

What has happened?

During late December 2010, torrential rain along the Queensland east coast caused widespread flooding in southern and central areas of the State impacting more than 200,000 people.

• St George is preparing for significant flooding with the Balonne River at 13.20m and rising. Rainfall is expected in the coming days
• River level in Rockhampton is steady at 9.15
• River level at Emerald is 9.3m and steady
• River level at Moura is 9.7m and falling. Theodore residents have returned temporarily to view the area
• River level at Dalby/Condamine is 13.45m and falling slowly
• River level at Bundaberg is below minor flooding levels and falling fast
• Residents of Emerald are returning and outreach and clean-up has begun with assistance from the local council
• Residents of Theodore have been evacuated to Moura
• The National Registration and Inquiry System (NRIS) remains open. 3,919 people have registered as of 10 January 2011
• The Queensland Government has launched the Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal
• More heavy rain is expected in the area over the next few days
  Detailed map of the flooded areas here:
  http://www.redcross.org.au/ourservices_acrossaustralia_disasteremergencyservices_Queensland-floods-2010.htm
  

[garyh]

Very scary, I believe no one was in the cars.

Edited January 11, 2011 by garyh