Mitchell | 2 Feb 2012
More Mitchell residents are being urged to evacuate to higher ground as 15 homes in Mitchell are inundated with flood water.
Residents requiring flood-related emergency assistance should contact theSES hotline on 132 500.
Due to increasing water levels, the evacuation centre location has been changed from Mitchell RSL and Combined Sports Complex to Council’s Mitchell Depot off Mitchell – St George Rd.
Maranoa Mayor Robert Loughnan said we currently have 18 evacuees who are being transferred to the new evacuation centre on higher ground. It is expected this number will increase to around 50.
“The Maranoa River at Mitchell is currently sitting at 8.75m and predicted to peak at 9m sometime this afternoon. It is imperative that we have an evacuation centre at the safest location possible,” Cr Loughnan said.
“With the Bureau of Meteorology predicting 100mm of rainfall across the Mitchell area over the next 24 hours. It is expected that up to 45 homes and businesses may be affected by flooding. Another Emergency Alert SMS and landline call will go out within the hour to Mitchell community informing them of the change.
Some of the Mitchell Hospital residents are now in the process of being evacuated to the Maranoa Retirement Village.
The Maranoa River at Currawong is currently sitting steady at 9.4m.
Sand bags are available to residents from designated areas in town and Council’s Mitchell depot.
The Warrego Highway is closed between Roma and Amby with water at Amby Creek currently 700mm over the road. For further road closures call 131 940.
The Bungil Creek in Roma is currently sitting at 6.05m. Council and emergency services will continue to monitor water levels with further showers predicted over the next 24 hours.
The Balonne River at Surat is sitting at 10.08m and receding.
Council and emergency services staff are actively coordinating necessary emergency arrangements for flood impacted locations across the region.
For more information, contact the following organisations:
000 – life threatening emergencies
SES – 132 500
Flood related emergencies
Maranoa Regional Council – 1300 007 662 or www.maranoa.qld.gov.au
Local road closures and sandbag assistance
Department Transport and Main Roads - www.131940.qld.gov.au
Road conditions (State controlled roads)
