Queensland | Swift water rescue activity overnight and this morning
Queensland | 25 Jan 2012
Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) personnel have been kept extremely busy responding to approximately 16 swift water rescue cases across south east Queensland since 7pm.
Of these, five occurred on the North Coast (Tanawha, Sippy Downs, Palmwoods, Nambour and Glass House Mountains), eight occurred across Brisbane (Bellmere, Kurwongbah, Caboolture, Petrie, Deception Bay, Lawnton, Carina, Willawong) and four occurred in the South Eastern Region (Oxenford, Burleigh Waters, Oxenford and Wongawallan). In most circumstances the occupants were able to escape from the vehicles and did not require assistance from QFRS.
Two women remain unaccounted for after their vehicle was reportedly located in a flooded causeway on Old Gympie Road, Glass House Mountains around 9pm. Fire personnel searched the vehicle last night and found it empty. They will resume their search this morning.
Around 5am QFRS personnel rescued two people who were stranded in their vehicle on dry ground in the middle of John Muntz Causeway at Oxenford. Firefighters rescued the people around 6.30am using a pulling system.
QFRS also responded to an incident nearby on Tamborine Oxenford Road around 5.15am where people were located on the roof of their vehicle in rising floodwaters. Firefighters used a throw bag to reach the occupants and assisted them to safety.
At Deception Bay firefighters assisted a man to safety after his ute was reportedly trapped in floodwaters on the side of Blue Pacific Road around 9.15pm. He was safe and well.
QFRS personnel rescued two people and a dog after their vehicle became submerged in floodwaters at Leis Park on Leis Parade at Lawnton.
On Moore Road at Kurwongbah firefighters were tasked to assist to relocate residents who were being threatened by floodwaters in their home. Crews assisted three people to safety.
Residents across south east Queensland are being reminded if it’s flooded, forget it.
People can easily be caught out on even familiar road and even if you think local knowledge will get you through, think again. Floodwaters are treacherous and the dangers are hidden under the surface. Flash flooding can occur quickly and catch drivers unaware and there is no excuse for those who deliberately drive past a road closed sign into flood water.
In most cases, swift water rescue is completely preventable. Flooded road crossings have the potential force to move very heavy vehicles and once the tyres leave the road surface the driver will have no control over the vehicle and no amount of experience or driver training can prevent that.
People who enter floodwaters are not only putting their lives at risk, but the lives of their rescuers. Although firefighters are highly trained and skilled, swift water rescue is the most dangerous operation they are required to undertake.
State Emergency Service activity as at 7.15am
State Emergency Service (SES) personnel have attended to 290 jobs since 5pm yesterday. Of these 107 were for Brisbane, 91 for the North Coast and 56 for the South East.
The main areas where SES assistance was requested was in Redcliffe, Deception Bay, Bribie Island and Caboolture in Brisbane Region, Caloundra and Nambour on the Sunshine Coast and Logan, Southport and Beaudesert in the south east.
Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ) is urging residents to take care with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms expected to continue throughout across the south east.
If residents require storm and flood assistance they should contact the SES on 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency, which includes vehicles trapped in floodwater, always dial triple zero (000).
This is a reminder for all Queenslanders to ensure they are well prepared for storm and cyclone season. For information on what you can do to prepare your home visit http://www.disaster.qld.gov.au/getready/ .