Floodwaters in Queensland are inching towards New South Wales, Australia’s most populous State with authorities warning small communities south of the border to prepare for the deluge.
About 400 people in the towns of Goodooga, Weilmoringle and Angledool are facing the possibility of isolation when flood peaks flow into State’s north later this month.
While there is no threat to homes but roads are expected to be cut, leaving residents stranded in a handful of communities and surrounding rural properties.
Meanwhile, the weather bureau has predicted moderate to major flooding on the Culgoa, Bokhara, Birrie and Narran Rivers, swamping the region for four to six weeks.
The State Emergency Service (SES) is urging people to prepare now.
“It’s weeks away but these are very slow rising floods. Which means roads can be cut a week or more ahead of the flood peak and a week or more after,” an SES spokesman said.
“It’s not out of the ordinary, these are decent sized floods but they are not exceptionally large like those in Queensland which are floods of record“.
Queensland’s flood crisis has inundated or isolated more than 20 towns and cities, with more than 200,000 people affected.
The loss of life in the ongoing floods has prompted U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to express condolences and extending support for providing assistance to its close ally.
Up to 200,000 people are estimated to have been hit by the fast—flowing waters that have inundated 22 rural towns in the country’s northeast.
“On behalf of President (Barack) Obama and the people of the United States, I offer my condolences for the loss of life and damage in Queensland caused by the recent flooding,” Ms. Clinton was quoted as saying by an AAP report.
“Our embassy in Canberra is monitoring the situation and has been in contact with Australian authorities.
Australia is an important partner and close friend of the U.S. and we stand ready to provide assistance,” she said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by these floods, especially the families of the victims, and with all the people of Australia”.
