Emergency services in Queensland have carried out dramatic rescues of people, pets, and livestock as severe flooding triggered by the remnants of Tropical Cyclone Koji continues to wreak havoc across the state.
Record Rainfall and Widespread Disruption
The threat of flash flooding is set to persist across parts of Queensland throughout the week, although the widespread, intense rain linked directly to the ex-cyclone is expected to ease. The sheer volume of rainfall has been staggering. The town of Clermont recorded 203mm of rain in just 24 hours up to 9am on Monday. Even more extreme totals were seen closer to the coast, where Eungella received more than 400mm over the weekend.
This deluge has led to major isolation for affected communities. Both Clermont and Eungella are currently cut off from surrounding areas, with authorities warning that the latter town could remain inaccessible for several months due to extensive damage to roads and infrastructure.
Rescue Efforts and Ongoing Risks
Swift water rescue teams have been working tirelessly, evacuating residents and their animals from rising floodwaters. The operations highlight the broad impact of the disaster, which has endangered households, agricultural businesses, and local wildlife.
While the core weather system associated with ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji is dissipating, the ground is utterly saturated. This means the risk of dangerous flash flooding remains high as any further rainfall has nowhere to go. Communities are being urged to stay alert to official warnings and avoid any unnecessary travel through affected regions.
Queensland Braces for the Aftermath
The state is now facing a prolonged recovery phase. The immediate focus remains on ensuring the safety of those in cut-off towns and assessing the full extent of the damage to property, farmland, and public infrastructure. The significant rainfall totals and the potential for months-long isolation for Eungella underscore the severity of this flood event.
Residents are dealing with the twin challenges of clean-up and resilience, as Queensland's wet season continues to test defences. The event serves as a stark reminder of the powerful and destructive potential of ex-tropical cyclones and the flooding they can unleash far from the coast.
