Authorities release images of risky drivers as floodwaters rise

How many times do authorities need to say "if it's flooded, forget it" before the message sinks in?


 

Cairns Regional Council has taken the extraordinary step of releasing images of motorists and onlookers ignoring flood warnings to reinforce the message of "it's flooded, forget it".

Using images captured by a flood cam on Peets Bridge in the Goldsborough Valley, council is "extremely disappointed" people were still ignoring safety messages as the region receives a wet season bucketing.

Cairns Local Disaster Management Group Chair Cr Terry James said fast-moving water crossing Peet's Bridge posed a serious danger.

"All it takes is a slight loss of footing or to hit a bit of submerged debris and you can get washed away in a matter of seconds," he said.

“With more rain expected in the coming days, there could be further localised flooding within the Cairns region.

“Please consider not only your own safety but also that of your potential rescuers before making such a silly decision as to enter floodwaters either by car or on foot.

“The message is simple – if it’s flooded forget it.”

View current rainfall figures for the region

Main Roads closures for Cairns and Far North


Forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology predict another wet day in the Tropical North tomorrow, before the rain eases over the weekend.

Cairns can expect up to 80mm on Thursday with a maxmium temperature of 31C, easing to a predicted 10mm on Friday and 20mm over the weekend.

An already drenched Innisfail is facing up to 60mm with a maximum of 31C tomorrow, and up to 20mm over the weekend.

Mareeba residents should expect up to 45mm tomorrow and up to 15mm over the weekend, Atherton is tipped to get similar rainfalls, while Cooktown is predicted to receive up to 80mm tomorrow.