FLOOD WATCH: Douglas under water, sewage concerns and Captain Cook Highway closed

SEVERE FLOODING

Jamie Jansen

Journalist

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Last updated:
A screenshot from a video on social media show a flooded Bow Street in Mossman. Video sent in by Katie Wynne

FLOOD WATCH: Below we are updating events as they occur for as long as we can. Original headline story published at the bottom. Please also keep an eye on Newsport Facebook for updates.

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Update 6.00pm, rainfall expected to persist - Sunday 17 December

As per the latest weather forecast from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) for Port Douglas, it indicates that the incessant rain is not showing any signs of relenting in the near future.

Monday, December 18, forecasts rainfall between 35 to 250 mm, maintaining a 100% chance of precipitation. Even as the shire grapples with current floods, Tuesday, December 19, is poised to bring additional rainfall with 0 to 15 mm expected and an 80% chance of rain.

 Wednesday, December 20, hints at reduced rainfall with projections of 0 to 3 mm and a 60% chance of rain. Thursday, December 21, anticipates light rainfall of 0 to 1 mm, holding a 40% chance of precipitation. 

Update 5.30pm - Sunday 17 December

DRINKING WATER ANNOUNCEMENT, LATEST BOM WARNING

Douglas Shire Council urges residents in Mossman, Cooya, and Newell to fill their water bottles and collect water in containers for personal use over the next 24 hours. Council officers are unable to attend to repairs on damaged pipework at this time.

As of the latest update from the Bureau of Meteorology issued at 4:00 PM today, a major flood warning is in effect for the Daintree River and the Mossman River.

Daintree Village is experiencing major flooding, with the river currently at 9.45 meters and rising, and further rises are possible during Sunday evening. 

Since 9.00am on Saturday, rainfall totals of around 515mm have been recorded over the Daintree River catchment, and approximately 650mm over the Mossman River catchment.

Flood levels above the 2014 event are likely to occur at Daintree Village overnight Sunday into Monday with forecast rainfall. Across the Mossman and Bloomfield catchments, fast river rises are possible overnight from forecast rainfall.

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Update 4:35pm - Sunday 17 December

FRONT STREET FLOODS

Mossman Front Street goes under. Newsport has received footage of Mossman's Front Street fully inundated. 

Visit Newsport Facebook for video footage.

 

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Update 4:28pm - Sunday 17 December

ELLIS BEACH LANDSLIDE DESTROYS HIGHWAY

Newsport has received an update from a reader awaiting evacuation from the Ellis Beach Holiday Park that the footage we previously shared of a landslide 'over' the Captain Cook Highway at Ellis Beach actually depicts a landslide that has destroyed the highway. The reader also reported significant damage to the Bar and Grill.

Visit Newsport Facebook for video footage.

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Update 3:00pm - Sunday 17 December

CAIRNS AIRPORT FLOODS

Operations have ceased at Cairns Airport. A further assessment will take place at 6.00pm.

According to a statement on the airport's Facebook page, this decision is a result of ongoing collaboration with authorities and stakeholders, including airline partners. Further updates will be provided following the review at 6.00pm.

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Update 2.35pm - Sunday 17 December

The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads has posted images of the Captain Cook and Palmerston Highways on their Facebook page, revealing severe damage to both Highways due to intense rainfall and flooding.

Many readers are wondering how much rain has fallen since cyclone Jasper made landfall. 

According to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), from 9:00 AM on Saturday, approximately 350mm of rain has been recorded over the Daintree River catchment, and around 300mm over the Mossman River catchment.

In Four Mile, Port Douglas, a Newsport reader named Janet reports a substantial rainfall of 1162mm since 6:00 AM on Wednesday, with 353mm of that occurring since midnight.
 

Published 1:12pm - Sunday 17 December

In the wake of Cyclone Jasper, the Douglas Shire Council has issued a flood watch and urgent action warning in response to severe flooding within the region with the Captain Cook Highway closed due to an Ellis Beach landslide.

Residents are urged to take immediate precautions to safeguard their properties, check on neighbours, and restrict travel on roads whenever possible. With conditions expected to change rapidly, residents are advised to prepare for potential evacuation to higher ground.

Newsport reader has reported that a section of the road at Ellis Beach has been washed away, although official confirmation is pending.

Douglas Shire Police Sergeant Damian Meadows has confirmed the closure of the Captain Cook Highway, highlighting its impassable condition and the anticipated lengthy duration of closure due to multiple landslips. The status of the Ellis Beach road remains unconfirmed at this time, as current conditions prevent emergency workers from verifying the situation on the ground.

"I can't provide information on Ellis Beach; it's not our jurisdiction. That's under Smithfield," Sergeant Meadows clarified.

He emphasised a crucial reminder for the public to avoid unnecessary travel on the roads, citing recent incidents where police had to rescue individuals trapped in floodwaters. "With limited resources, authorities aim to prevent the burnout of emergency services staff by discouraging unnecessary tasks," he said. "The community is urged to stay safe and refrain from unnecessary outings during these challenging conditions."

For the latest updates and crucial information, residents are encouraged to tune in to local radio stations or visit the official Douglas Shire Council website at https://dashboard.douglas.qld.gov.au/. Additionally, staying informed about the evolving weather conditions is crucial, and the Bureau of Meteorology remains a key source for the latest developments.

The Douglas Shire Council has also issued a warning concerning the sewage systems, emphasising that they are at capacity, and outflows may occur into floodwaters, houses, and backyards.

As the floodwaters continue to rise, residents in affected areas are cautioned not only about the dangers of flooding but also the potential emergence of wildlife in unexpected places. Crocodiles and snakes, displaced by the deluge, may pose additional threats to public safety.

 


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