NASA has released satellite imagery showcasing the extensive flooding that recently occurred in central-western Queensland, marking a significant weather event with dire implications for local agriculture. Over 140,000 livestock have been reported lost or perished due to the severe inundation affecting vast stretches of farmland.
The images, captured by NASA’s Landsat satellites, illustrate the flooding’s impact on Cooper Creek in proximity to Windorah, where before and after photos highlight the stark transformation of the landscape from March 5 to March 29. In these images, water appears as shades of blue, while vegetation and bare land are represented in green and brown respectively.
Currently, rainfall in the area has eased, yet the aftermath continues to be catastrophic for farmers and local residents. In most towns affected, rainfall levels have notably decreased from triple to double digits; however, creeks and rivers are still rising, contributing to ongoing challenges.
Adavale, a small township, experienced a sudden surge of water last week, prompting an evacuation to the neighbouring town of Quilpie. As efforts to restore normalcy progress, residents face an uncertain wait before they can safely return home, with authorities working diligently to assess and mitigate the damages.
The Bureau of Meteorology indicates a weak trough over central and northern Queensland will persist before gradually moving northward. Materials and debris from this flood disaster are anticipated to flow southward towards Lake Eyre, located approximately 600km from Windorah—a lake that typically remains dry for most of the year, being the lowest natural point in Australia.
As the community grapples with the repercussions of this unusual weather pattern, the long-term effects on local farming and livelihoods remain to be fully understood.