Flood emergency warning - Take shelter now

Flood as at 9am, Sunday 17 December 2023

This warning is from the Cairns Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG).

Major flooding is happening across Cairns now. The Barron River is rising quickly and is predicted to reach 9.6 metres at Kamerunga Bridge around 1pm today.

Take shelter now inside and up high. Do not try to drive.

People in the Barron catchment and Machans Beach are at particular risk and should act now.

If your life is in danger, call Triple Zero (000) immediately. For flood and storm emergency help, call the SES on 132 500.

Impacts

• Homes and buildings have been flooded.
• Power, water, sewerage and telephone services could be lost in the area.
• Roads and bridges have been flooded.
• Landslides could happen – be aware of fallen earth, rocks, debris or trees.
• Floodwater can be very deep, rise quickly and move fast.

What you should do

If you are outside now

• Go to a safe place, indoors and up high.
• If you cannot shelter inside, get to higher ground away from trees. Trees can fall down when the ground is very wet.
• Move away from creeks and rivers.

If you are already driving

• Driving now is dangerous. Find a high safe place to pull over away from trees, creeks and rivers.
• Floodwater is dangerous - do not drive through floodwater. If the road is flooded, go a different way.
• Listen to your local radio station for warnings and traffic updates.

If you are inside now

• Do not expect emergency services to come to your door.
• Stay inside and watch for rising flood water.
• If floodwater comes inside, move to a higher point like the kitchen bench or second storey and call Triple Zero (000).
• Warn friends, family and neighbours in the area.

If you are camping or caravanning

• Move people, pets, your camping gear and vehicle immediately to higher ground