Nearly 300 truck drivers have transported essential supplies to the flood-affected residents of Ingham, which has faced severe isolation due to flooding for almost two weeks. With the region receiving close to 1200 millimetres of rain since early February, the situation is dire, especially as Charters Towers emerges as another area grappling with the inundation crisis.
Currently, Ingham is under strict water restrictions, allowing only for essential uses such as drinking and brief showers due to damaged infrastructure. Many residents remain without power, unable to return to their homes after evacuation over a week ago. The aftermath will require extensive cleanup efforts, as significant debris and mould have begun to accumulate.
Efforts are concentrated on ensuring that vital supplies reach supermarkets and communities in the north. The Ollera Creek Bridge, which was destroyed due to heavy rains on February 2, is set to reopen tonight with a stronger temporary structure, crucial for maintaining the connectivity of the Bruce Highway.
The flood disaster has resulted in two fatalities, though two men previously reported missing after abandoning their vehicle in rising water have been located and are safe. While the Bureau of Meteorology predicts ongoing rainfall in the area, it is expected to lessen later in the evening.