Residents in four suburbs in Bundaberg have been told to evacuate their homes immediately, with authorities warning that major flooding is about to hit the Burnett River, causing flooding in homes, cutting off roads and isolating parts of the city.
The suburbs affected by the emergency warning with an evacuation center being set up at the Bundaberg Recreational Precinct in Branyan.
Regional Council has said that the Burnett River is expected to hit 7.0 meters by the end of Tuesday, after which it is expected to continue rising to 7.5 meters by midnight, peaking at the same level as the December 2010 flood.
According to the council, the Tallon and Burnett bridges are also set to close once the Burnett River reaches 7.0 meters, making it dangerous for residents who wait too long to evacuate their homes.
Over the course of the day, the threat’s scope has grown. About 280 homes and 120 businesses in Bundaberg were expected to be impacted, according to an update from state and local authorities.
The rapid escalation of the situation as water moves downstream is highlighted by earlier forecasts that indicated about 180 properties would be affected if the river reached its anticipated peak.
Though the heaviest rain has passed, forecasters indicate that the worst is yet to come.
The Bureau of Meteorology has cautioned residents in the Wide Bay and Burnett region that the floods in the region may last for a few days as the water runs through the catchment area.
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Paradise Dam is overflowing heavily, but authorities assured residents that there is no problem with the dam’s construction.
Bundaberg Mayor Helen Blackburn said, “We don’t want people to be alarmed, we just want you to be alert and move if you need to move.”
More emergency workers have been deployed in the region in readiness for more damage and disruptions in the region even when the rain passes.
