Heavy rains are set to continue in central and north Queensland after near-record flooding that inundated towns and required defence force assistance.
Heavy rains are set to continue in central and north Queensland after near-record flooding that inundated towns and required defence force assistance.
By Savannah Meacham and Fraser Barton
February 8, 2025 — 9.48am
Jen and Bob De Haan were heartbroken when they discovered their north Queensland home had been inundated by floodwaters.
But there was little time for sentiment when the clean-up began.
Bed frames, chairs, tables and cabinets were all ditched, with the De Haans quickly dismissing the temptation to salvage items.
The De Haans had learned how to endure hardship after living through many north Queensland storm seasons.
Experience had also taught the Bluewater residents another potentially deadly threat loomed after the floodwaters cleared – black mould.
“We took all the furniture out because if you leave all the wet furniture you start getting mould,” De Haan said after clearing the ground floor of their home.
“Then you get more problems.”
Black mould is set to pose yet another hurdle for flood-hit residents, who might be tempted to retrieve sodden belongings when the clean-up finally starts.
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Some face a long wait to kick-start their recovery from floodwaters that have claimed two lives, with more rain forecast across the weekend – giving black mould ample time to spore in the far north’s humidity.
The fungus causes sneezing, coughing, congestion and eye irritation.
It can also worsen asthma symptoms – and potentially cause serious illness or death.
During what looms as a massive north Queensland clean-up, residents are urged to wear personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves and enclosed footwear to combat any mould.
“As the floodwaters recede, many of the items may be waterlogged and damaged,” Australian Medical Association president Nick Yim said.
“With the increase in humidity, that increases the chance of mould being around in the environment and this leads to potentially increased respiratory issues, especially people with existing disease.
“If it has been waterlogged with floodwaters it is probably best to replace them.”
The De Haans are among thousands affected by record rainfall across north Queensland.
Floodwaters have cut power, damaged roads and forced hundreds to evacuate, with Ingham among the worst-hit areas.
The rural town was completely isolated for days after a bridge collapsed amid floodwaters that cut power, disrupted telecommunications, affected food supply and claimed the lives of two women.
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More heavy falls are forecast across the weekend with a severe weather warning issued from Tully to Ayr.
Thousands of kilometres away, northern NSW resident Elly Bird knows the potential hurdles north Queenslanders face.
She endured a major recovery after floodwaters inundated Lismore twice within two months in 2022, damaging countless homes and claiming five lives.
Three years later, the region is still recovering.
Bird said the recovery effort was a “marathon, not a sprint”.
“People in our community are really aware of what is happening in north Queensland and we’re sending our love and strength to those folks,” she said.
She is also familiar with potential clean-up risks, especially mould.
“Mould is a serious concern and you need to keep on top of it,” she said.
However, it’s not the only looming threat for north Queenslanders battling floodwaters.
The continuing wet weather is set to exacerbate mosquito numbers, increasing the risk of Japanese encephalitis, dengue and Ross River viruses.
Queensland had already recorded its first case of Japanese encephalitis virus since 2022, Dr Yim said, and cases of dengue virus for the first time in five years.
He warned stagnant water and humidity would heighten the risk of contracting the viruses from infected mosquitoes.
Queenslanders have been urged to wear long sleeves and pants during the clean-up despite the heat, as well as mosquito repellent.
Other diseases that can lurk in contaminated murky and muddy water include leptospirosis and melioidosis.
These illnesses can remain in mud and soil and enter the body through cuts and open wounds.
With more rain leading to potential flash flooding in the coming days, locals have also been told to look out for other dangers lurking in the water.
Floodwaters in north Queensland can lead to animals such as snakes and crocodiles being displaced, rangers caution, with a string of snake bites already recorded in Townsville.
“Anywhere there’s water we would urge the public to have the mindset there’s every chance there’s a crocodile,” wildlife officer Ella Meeve said.
On Saturday, the Department of Transport and Main Roads said the temporary Ollera Creek Bridge, north of Townsville, will close at 6pm today to allow for further restoration.
AAP
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