Heavy rainfall continues to batter Australia’s east coast, as waterways overflow and create chaos in regional towns and cities.
Communities in Queensland are just starting the clean-up, which is set to be a long and emotional process following the loss of more than 15,000 residences in the past two weeks.
Meanwhile, the SES has announced evacuation orders for residents in Northern Rivers and Greater Sydney suburbs as the low pressure weather system makes its way down the south coast.
Ten people have died as a result of massive floods and wild weather, including a 76-year-old man in Glen Esk, Qld, and an 80-year-old woman in Lismore, NSW.
There have been no further updates from the Queensland Police on the fate of the yachtsman who fell overboard on Saturday in Brisbane. A search for the solo sailor in his 70s was suspended at one point because of dangerous weather and debris in the Brisbane River.
NSW flood updates:
- Seventy-six evacuation orders are in place across the state, as well as 18 evacuations warnings.
- For updates on the Nepean River, Hawkesbury River and Warragamba Dam, see: http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/flood/nepean-hawkesburyrivers.shtml
- On Wednesday, over 200 schools across the state were declared ‘non-operational’.
- The weather continues its way down the south coast. For more, see: http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/flood/nepean-hawkesburyrivers.shtml
QLD flood updates:
- Flash flooding and hailstones are expected in Brisbane on Thursday.
- An unstable air mass could lead to major thunderstorms in SE QLD.
- For updates on the weather and flooding in QLD, see: http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings/
How did boats at marinas and on moorings in Queensland hold up following this unprecedented weather event?
Many boat owners and marinas were busy in the lead up to the wild weather, making sure boat lines were secured and hatches closed.
Rivergate Marina is located at Murarrie, an eastern riverside Brisbane suburb. A Rivergate representative told My Sailing:
“The team at Rivergate would like to extend our thoughts to everyone impacted by this extreme weather event in South East Queensland.
“Rivergate is happy to report that aside from some minor debris, our marina and shipyard has experienced no major issues as a result of south east Queensland’s recent extreme weather.
“Rivergate is open for all mariners who require services with out of water repairs, safe harbouring, or surveys that are required.
“As always, our team is on hand to answer any queries you may have. Simply call 3907 1600 or send an email to info@rivergate.com.au to get in touch.”
Superyacht Brisbane told tradeaboat, “The Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron provided a safe haven in its new marina at Manly Harbour (south of the Brisbane River in Moreton Bay) and was a perfect shelter to vessels normally berthed in the River. BSE Maritime Solution’s dockyard at Colmslie remained high and dry throughout the flood crisis and work on the boats docked on the 2500-tonne slipway continued with little interruption.”
By Greta Quealy
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