The small outback town of Innamincka in South Australia’s far north-east is currently experiencing unprecedented flooding, with water levels described as comparable to Sydney Harbour. Floodwaters, originating from western Queensland, have transformed the typically dry landscape into a vast swamp, leading to significant disruptions for residents.
The State Emergency Service (SES) reported a record water level of 14.5 metres, surpassing the previous high of 11.85 metres recorded during the catastrophic floods of 1974. The deluge has inundated homes, with water reaching rooftops in some instances, including at local landmarks like the Innamincka Sporting Club.
Local residents are grappling with uncertainty, facing potential weeks of isolation due to the ongoing flood conditions. The SES chief of staff, Robert Charlton, has cautioned that this flooding event is not a short-term incident, indicating that significant water presence will persist in the area for an extended period.
Innamincka, home to roughly two dozen permanent residents, is situated about 1000 kilometres from Adelaide and just 30 kilometres from the Queensland border. Authorities have activated the state emergency centre and are advising locals to steer clear of the affected areas as the community prepares for the lengthy cleanup ahead once the waters recede. The sheer volume of flooding has raised alarm and drawn comparisons to some of Australia’s most recognised water bodies, underscoring the severity of this natural disaster.