In a dramatic rescue operation in south-east Queensland, police officers bravely helped a 69-year-old woman trapped in her car amid fast-moving floodwaters caused by ex-tropical cyclone Alfred. The incident occurred at Glenore Grove in the Lockyer Valley, where video footage captured the fire and emergency team, supported by local residents, as they entered the floodwater to secure the woman and assist her to safety.
Authorities reiterated the dangers of driving through flooded areas, noting that it can happen to anyone, regardless of their vehicle type or size. Superintendent Doug McDonald, the disaster coordinator for Darling Downs, emphasised that attempting to navigate floodwaters with the mindset of “it’ll be all right” is extremely hazardous. He stated that many drivers mistakenly believe they can cross safely, only to find themselves needing a rescue.
The woman was taken to Ipswich Hospital, suffering from minor injuries and shock after she reportedly tried to drive across a flooded section of the Blind Gully bridge. This incident has served as a crucial reminder of the serious risks associated with floodwaters. According to officials, poor choices can jeopardise not only the individual’s safety but also that of emergency responders.
Fortunately, some weather warnings in south-east Queensland have since been downgraded. The Bremer River in Ipswich peaked at 11.32 metres, just shy of the major flood level. However, warnings remain in place for other river systems, including the Logan River and Lockyer Creek, but are expected to decline over the next few hours.
In addition to the flooding woes, over 100,000 homes and businesses across the region are currently without power. The situation is similar in northern New South Wales, where moderate flood warnings are in effect for several rivers, including the Richmond and Clarence Rivers.
As the community faces these challenges, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese plans to visit two Australian soldiers in Lismore Hospital, who were injured in a rollover incident of their military vehicles during flood-relief operations. The unfolding events underscore the importance of taking weather warnings seriously and avoiding risky decisions when faced with flooding.