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Queensland Flood Threat Persists Despite Easing Rainfall From Cyclone Koji

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has warned that northern regions of the state remain at serious risk of flooding even as rainfall from ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji begins to ease. Major flood warnings are still active for four rivers, with concerns focused on already swollen catchments that could overflow with any further isolated heavy rain. The disaster has caused severe agricultural damage, with over 50,000 livestock lost and hundreds of properties without power in isolated towns. Emergency efforts include aerial drops of fodder and veterinary supplies to stranded cattle as the system, which made landfall as a Category 2 cyclone, continues to move inland.

Key Points: Queensland Flood Risk Remains High Despite Easing Rainfall

  • Major flood warnings for four rivers remain
  • Over 50,000 livestock perished in floodwaters
  • Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji brought heavy rain and damaging winds
  • Authorities conducting air drops of fodder and supplies
2 min read

Flooding threat remains in Australia's Queensland despite easing rainfall: State premier

Queensland Premier warns of ongoing flood threat to northern regions despite easing rain, with major warnings for four rivers and livestock losses mounting.

"The great fear is if there is extra rain in catchments that are already high and not going down as quickly as we'd like. - David Crisafulli"

Sydney, Jan 14

The Premier of Australia's Queensland said on Wednesday that regions in the state's north and northwest remain at risk of flooding despite easing rainfall.

David Crisafulli told Nine Network television on Wednesday morning that parts of Queensland's tropical north and northwest have received more rainfall over the past week than they typically would in an average year.

According to forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), rainfall across Queensland was expected to ease on Wednesday after ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji made landfall on the northeast coast on Sunday morning and moved west across the state, causing widespread flash flooding.

However, major flood warnings from the BoM for four rivers remained in place on Wednesday, and Crisafulli said that authorities have concerns about swollen catchments, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The great fear is if there is extra rain in catchments that are already high and not going down as quickly as we'd like," he said.

"We are on an easing trend, but that doesn't mean there isn't the prospect of those heavy, isolated falls and in already swollen catchments."

The premier on Tuesday said that more than 50,000 livestock have perished in floodwaters and that the figure is expected to continue rising.

Over 300 properties remained without electricity on Tuesday in the town of around 3,000 people, which has been cut off by floodwaters.

He said on Wednesday that authorities are conducting air drops of fodder and emergency veterinary supplies to cattle stranded on high ground in several locations.

Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji made landfall on Queensland's northeast coast on Sunday morning, bringing damaging winds and heavy rainfall, and is now moving west across the state.

Koji formed over the Coral Sea under favourable conditions, with sea-surface temperatures above 29 degrees celsius and low vertical wind shear. The system strengthened to a Category 2 cyclone before landfall on January 11, with estimated maximum sustained winds (averaged over 10-minutes) of 100 km/h (62 mph) and gusts of over 140 km/h (87 mph). After crossing the coast, Koji weakened rapidly but continued to transport deep tropical moisture inland.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The article mentions sea-surface temperatures above 29°C. This is a clear red flag for climate change. We are seeing more intense cyclones in the Bay of Bengal too. Global warming is a shared problem, and developed nations like Australia need to lead in cutting emissions, not just manage disasters.
D
David E
Having lived through floods, I know the anxiety doesn't end when the rain stops. The threat from swollen rivers and damaged infrastructure remains for days. Hope the warnings are heeded and people stay safe. The emergency response seems well-coordinated.
A
Ananya R
It's a stark reminder of how powerful nature is. A week's rain more than an entire year's average? Unimaginable. Our disaster management agencies could probably learn from the air-drop logistics used here. Wishing strength to everyone affected.
V
Vikram M
The economic impact on farmers will be severe. Losing livestock is like losing your life's savings overnight. Australia has strong support systems, but recovery will take time. Makes you appreciate the resilience needed in agriculture everywhere, from Punjab to Queensland.
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Sarah B
While the immediate response is good, there's a respectful criticism to be made. With advanced forecasting, could more livestock have been moved to safer ground earlier? Prevention is better than cure. That said, the crews doing the air drops are heroes.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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