Pollyana

TROPICAL CYCLONE ADVICE NUMBER 58
Issued at 2:59 am EST on Wednesday 29 March 2017
Headline:
Debbie downgraded to a tropical low. Severe Weather Warning replaces Tropical Cyclone Advice.

Areas Affected:
Warning Zone
None.

Watch Zone
None.

Cancelled Zone
Bowen to St Lawrence, including Mackay and the Whitsunday Islands, and extending inland to Mount Coolon and Moranbah.

Details of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie at 3:00 am AEST:
Intensity: Tropical Low, sustained winds near the centre of 55 kilometres per hour with wind gusts to 85 kilometres per hour.

Location: within 45 kilometres of 20.9 degrees South 147.2 degrees East, estimated to be 155 kilometres west southwest of Proserpine and 80 kilometres west southwest of Collinsville.

Movement: west southwest at 14 kilometres per hour.

The central circulation of Debbie has weakened below tropical cyclone strength. Impacts due to heavy rain, damaging wind gusts, and abnormally high tides are still expected across a broad area; see Severe Weather Warnings for details.

Hazards:
See Severe Weather Warnings for details.

Recommended Action:
See Severe Weather Warnings for details.

Next Advice:
No further Tropical Cyclone Advices will be issued for this system.

Pollyana

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING
for DAMAGING WINDS, HEAVY RAINFALL and ABNORMALLY HIGH TIDES
For people in the Central Coast and Whitsundays, Central Highlands and Coalfields, Capricornia and parts of the Central West and Maranoa and Warrego Forecast Districts.
Issued at 2:58 am Wednesday, 29 March 2017.
Headline:
Heavy rain and damaging wind gusts are currently affecting the Central Coast and Whitsundays and Central Highlands and Coalfields districts.
Synoptic Situation:
At 3am EST Ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie was located over inland central Queensland about 80 kilometres west southwest of Collinsville and 145 kilometres northwest of Moranbah. The system is expected to continue moving southwards over the central interior of the state today before tracking southeastwards during Thursday.
Impacts:
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie will continue to generate areas of very heavy rain over the Central Coast and Whitsundays and Central Highlands and Coalfields districts today. Currently the heaviest rainfall is occurring over areas north of about Springsure to Yeppoon though the heavy rain bands will slip further south through the remaining central interior with the system today. Widespread daily rainfall totals of 150 to 250 mm are expected, with significantly higher totals possible locally. This rainfall will likely be very intense at times, leading to a risk of localised flash flooding. Locations that may be affected include Mackay, Sarina, Carmila, Yeppoon, Moranbah, Clermont, Emerald, Springsure and Rolleston.
The focus for heavy rain will then shift south and extend into the southeastern quarter of the state during Thursday, with further daily rainfall totals in excess of 200mm possible.
This rainfall is likely to lead to major river flooding over a broad area this week, and a Flood Watch is current for coastal catchments between Ayr and the New South Wales border, extending inland to parts of the Central Highlands and Coalfields, Central West, Maranoa and Warrego, and Darling Downs and Granite Belt forecast districts.
Damaging winds, with peak gusts of around 120km/h, are occurring in the warning area, particularly about the coast and islands and also over higher ground inland. Currently the strongest wind gusts are affecting areas north of about Emerald to St Lawrence though the possibility of damaging wind gusts should shift to the remaining warning area as Ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie tracks south southeastwards tonight. Into Thursday the focus for damaging wind gusts will likely shift to the Capricornia coast and then possibly to the remaining coast near and south of Fraser Island during Thursday afternoon and evening.
Water levels on the high tide could exceed the highest tide of the year over the warning area north of St Lawrence today, leading to some local inundation.

Kim67

I read this morning a baby was born at the Whitsunday Ambulance Station during the storm. Now that's a cool labour story.

Pollyana

Yep, Billyanna was born at Cannonvale QAS station

Pollyana

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING
for DAMAGING WINDS and HEAVY RAINFALL
For people in the Central Coast and Whitsundays, Central Highlands and Coalfields, Capricornia, Wide Bay and Burnett, Darling Downs and Granite Belt, Southeast Coast and parts of the Central West and Maranoa and Warrego Forecast Districts.
Issued at 10:58 am Wednesday, 29 March 2017.
Headline:
Heavy rain and damaging wind gusts are currently affecting the Central Coast and Whitsundays and Central Highlands and Coalfields districts, slowly extending southwards.
Synoptic Situation:
At 11am EST Ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie was located over inland central Queensland about 130 kilometres west-northwest of Moranbah. The system is expected to continue moving southwards over the central interior of the state today before tracking southeastwards during Thursday.
Impacts:
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie will continue to generate areas of very heavy rain over the Central Coast and Whitsundays and Central Highlands and Coalfields districts today. Currently the heaviest rainfall is occurring over the areas between inland from Mackay. A seperate Severe Thunderstorm Warning is current for heavy rainfall for areas over the Central Coast district. Widespread daily rainfall totals of 150 to 250 mm are expected, with significantly higher totals possible locally. This rainfall will likely be very intense at times, leading to a risk of localised flash flooding. Locations that may be affected include Mackay, Sarina, Carmila, Yeppoon, Moranbah, Clermont, Emerald, Springsure and Rolleston.
The focus for heavy rain will then shift south and extend into the southeastern quarter of the state during Thursday, with further daily rainfall totals in excess of 200mm possible.
This rainfall is likely to lead to major river flooding over a broad area this week, and a Flood Watch is current for coastal catchments between Ayr and the New South Wales border, extending inland to parts of the Central Highlands and Coalfields, Central West, Maranoa and Warrego, and Darling Downs and Granite Belt forecast districts.
Damaging winds, with peak gusts of around 100km/h, are occurring in the warning area, particularly about the coast and islands and also over higher ground inland. Currently the strongest wind gusts are affecting areas north of about Emerald to St Lawrence though the possibility of damaging wind gusts should shift to the remaining warning area as Ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie tracks south southeastwards tonight. Into Thursday the focus for damaging wind gusts will likely shift to the Capricornia coast and then possibly to the remaining coast near and south of Fraser Island during Thursday afternoon and evening.
Water levels on the high tide could exceed the highest tide of the year, but not exceed warning criteria. Therefore the warning for abnormally high tide is cancelled.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:
* Move your car under cover or away from trees.
* Secure loose outdoor items.
* Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
* Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.
* Never drive, walk or ride through flood waters. If it's flooded, forget it.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.
The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 5:00 pm AEST Wednesday.
Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at Australia's official weather forecasts & weather radar - Bureau of Meteorology or call 1300 659 219. The Bureau and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.

Pollyana

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING
for DESTRUCTIVE WINDS and HEAVY RAINFALL
For people in the Capricornia, Wide Bay and Burnett, Darling Downs and Granite Belt, Southeast Coast and parts of the Central Coast and Whitsundays, Central Highlands and Coalfields and Maranoa and Warrego Forecast Districts.
Issued at 4:45 am Thursday, 30 March 2017.
Headline:
Heavy rain and damaging wind gusts are currently affecting the Capricornia, Wide Bay and Burnett and southern parts of the Central Highlands and Coalfields districts. Heavy rainfall will move into the Darling Downs and Southeast Coast districts this morning. Destructive wind gusts may develop about the coastal fringe and elevated terrain of the Wide Bay and Burnett and Southeast Coast districts from Thursday afternoon.
Synoptic Situation:
At 4am EST Ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie was located over inland central Queensland just south of Emerald. The system is expected to continue moving southeastwards over the Central Highlands this morning, before tracking over southeast Queensland during Thursday afternoon.
Impacts:
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie will continue to generate areas of very heavy rain over the Capricornia, Southern parts of the Central Highlands and Coalfields, Wide Bay and Burnett and parts of the Darling Downs and Granite belt and Southeast Coast districts. Currently the heaviest rainfall is occurring over much of the Capricornia and Wide Bay and Burnett region, and parts of the Southeast Coast district.
Widespread daily rainfall totals of 150 to 250mm are expected, with significantly higher accumulations possible locally. This rainfall will likely be very intense at times, leading to a risk of severe localised flash flooding.
Locations that may be affected include Rockhampton, Gladstone, Kingaroy, Bundaberg, Miles and the Sunshine Coast.

The focus for heavy rain will then shift south and extend into southeastern parts of the state during Thursday afternoon. Widespread daily rainfall totals in excess of are 200mm possible, with isolated very heavy daily totals in excess of 400mm possible, mostly around the higher ground in southeast Queensland.

This rainfall is likely to lead to major river flooding over a broad area and a Flood Watch is current for coastal catchments between Gladstone and the New South Wales border, extending inland to parts of the Central Highlands and Coalfields, Central West, Maranoa and Warrego, and Darling Downs and Granite Belt forecast districts.
Damaging winds, with peak gusts of around 90km/h, are occurring in the warning area, particularly about the coast and islands, between Hamilton Island and Gladstone. The most likely area for damaging wind gusts should shift to the remaining warning area as Ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie tracks southeastwards during today. Destructive wind gusts, in excess of 125km/h, are possible about the coastal fringe and elevated terrain of the Wide Bay and Burnett and Southeast Coast districts from late Thursday afternoon.
Severe weather is no longer occurring in the Herbert and Lower Burdekin district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:
* Move your car under cover or away from trees.
* Secure loose outdoor items.
* Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
* Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.
* Never drive, walk or ride through flood waters. If it's flooded, forget it.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.
The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11:00 am AEST Thursday.
Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at Australia's official weather forecasts & weather radar - Bureau of Meteorology or call 1300 659 219. The Bureau and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.

GarryP

Casualty of Debbie

Pollyana

Major Flood Warning for the Connors, Isaac, Mackenzie and Fitzroy Rivers
Issued at 12:19 pm EST on Saturday 1 April 2017
Flood Warning Number: 23

The main flood peak in the Fitzroy system is now in the Mackenzie River downstream of Tartrus and will move downstream over the next week. A major flood peak is expected at Rockhampton around Wednesday next week. This flood level is likely to be larger than 2011 floods, and may reach the February 1954 flood level.

Dawson River downstream of Theodore:
Minor to moderate flooding may occur along the Dawson River downstream of Theodore.

The Dawson River at Baralaba peaked at 3.45 metres around midnight Friday into Saturday. Some further rises to around the minor flood level (4.00 m) are possible during Sunday.

Don and Dee Rivers:
Moderate flooding is easing in the Don River at Rannes and in Callide Creek at Goovigen.

Connors and Isaac Rivers:
Major flooding is occurring along the Connors and Isaac Rivers.

There is very limited data available due to station and communication failures.

Major flood levels are occurring downstream on the Isaac River at Yatton. Major flooding will continue at Yatton well into next week.

Mackenzie River:
Record major flooding is occurring along the lower reaches of the Mackenzie River.

The Mackenzie River at Tartrus is currently at 17.77 metres and slowly falling. A peak of 18.26 metres was recorded at 3 pm Friday, this is higher than the previous record of 18.19 metres in 1958. The Mackenzie River at Tartrus will remain above the major flood level (15.00 m) during Saturday and well into next week.

Fitzroy River:
Major flooding is expected along the Fitzroy River during next week.

The Fitzroy River at Yaamba is currently at 10.50 metres and falling. The Fitzroy River at Yaamba is likely to exceed the moderate flood level (12.00 m) during Sunday. The river level is likely to reach the major flood level (15.00 m) Monday evening.

The Fitzroy River at Rockhampton is currently at 5.40 metres and falling. The Fitzroy River at Rockhampton is likely to exceed the moderate flood level (7.50 m) overnight Sunday into Monday. The river level is likely to exceed the major flood level (8.50 m) late Monday afternoon and is likely to peak between 9.00 and 9.40 metres during Wednesday. This prediction will be updated as upstream peaks are recorded at Coolmaringa and Riverslea.

Flood Safety Advice:
Remember: If it's flooded, forget it. For flood emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500. For life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

Current emergency information is available at www.qld.gov.au/alerts

Next Issue:
The next warning will be issued by 05:00 pm EST on Saturday 01 April 2017.

Latest River Heights:
Location Height of River (m) Tendency Date/Time of Observation
Mackenzie R at Bedford Weir TW TM 6.79 Steady 12:00 PM SAT 01/04/17
Mackenzie R at Bingegang Weir HW TM 9.43 Falling 11:45 AM SAT 01/04/17
Mackenzie R at Bingegang Weir HW Alert 9.38 Steady 12:01 PM SAT 01/04/17
Connors R at Pink Lagoon TM 13.46 Falling 11:00 AM SAT 01/04/17
Isaac R at Fitzroy Develop. Rd Br TM 6.56 Falling 11:30 AM SAT 01/04/17
Mackenzie R at Tartrus TM 17.28 Falling 11:45 AM SAT 01/04/17
Dawson R at Utopia Downs TM 1.85 Falling 11:00 AM SAT 01/04/17
Dawson R at Tarana Crossing Alert 3.24 Steady 12:10 PM SAT 01/04/17
Juandah Ck at Windamere TM 0.83 Steady 11:00 AM SAT 01/04/17
Dawson R at Taroom TM 2.03 Rising 11:00 AM SAT 01/04/17
Dawson R at Gyranda Weir TM -1.33 Steady 12:00 PM SAT 01/04/17
Dawson R at Moura Weir TM 0.49 Steady 11:00 AM SAT 01/04/17
Mimosa Ck at Karamea Alert 4.86 Steady 11:00 AM SAT 01/04/17
Dawson R at Baralaba TW TM 2.62 Steady 12:00 PM SAT 01/04/17
Callide Ck at Callide Dam HW TM -0.92 Steady 12:00 PM SAT 01/04/17
Kroombit Ck at Kroombit Dam HW TM 0.06 Steady 12:00 PM SAT 01/04/17
Callide Ck at Goovigen TM 8.93 Falling 11:00 AM SAT 01/04/17
Dee River at Number 7 Dam TM 16.86 Steady 11:00 AM SAT 01/04/17
Don R at Rannes TM 8.00 Steady 11:00 AM SAT 01/04/17
Dawson R at Knebworth TM 12.55 Falling 12:00 PM SAT 01/04/17
Fitzroy R at Riverslea-2 TM 17.64 Rising 11:40 AM SAT 01/04/17
Fitzroy R at Yaamba 10.30 Rising 09:00 AM SAT 01/04/17
Fitzroy R at Rockhampton 5.40 Falling 07:15 AM SAT 01/04/17
Port Alma Tide TM 4.47 Steady 11:31 AM SAT 01/04/17
This advice is also available by dialling 1300 659 219. Warning, rainfall and river information are available at Queensland Rainfall and River Conditions. The latest weather forecast is available at Queensland Forecasts.

Pollyana

Major Flood Warning for the Logan River and Minor Flood Warning for the Albert River
Issued at 11:54 am EST on Saturday 1 April 2017
Flood Warning Number: 16

Widespread areas of significant major flooding are continuing in the Logan River, with peaks expected at Waterford and Eagleby during Saturday.

Flood levels in the Albert River peaked close to record flood levels, and flood levels in the Logan River are generally the highest since 1974. River levels are continuing to rise at Waterford, with a major flood peak expected during Saturday afternoon.

Logan River to Yarrahappini:
River levels are now below minor flood level and falling in the Logan River upstream of Yarrahappini.

The Logan River at Beaudesert is currently at 5.31 metres and falling.

Logan River downstream of Yarrahappini:
Significant major flooding is occurring along the Logan River downstream of Yarrahappini.

The Logan River at Maclean Bridge peaked at 20.66 metres around 02:00 am Saturday 01 April and is currently at 19.86 metres and falling. The Logan River at Maclean Bridge is expected to fall below the major flood level (16.00 m) Saturday evening.

The Logan River at Waterford is currently at 9.85 metres and rising. The Logan River at Waterford is likely to peak near 10.50 metres Saturday afternoon.

No data is available for the Logan River at Eagleby, but stream rises and major flood levels are expected to be occurring. The Logan River at Eagleby may peak near 6.00 metres late Saturday afternoon.

Albert River:
Minor flooding is continuing to fall along the Albert River.

The Albert River at Wolffdene peaked at 13.55 metres around 08:00 am Friday 31 March and is currently at the minor flood level of 6.00 metres and falling.

The Albert River at Beenleigh peaked at 8.00 metres around 11:00 am Friday 31 March and is currently at 4.17 metres and falling. The Albert River at Beenleigh is likely to fall below the minor flood level (3.50 m) Saturday afternoon.

Flood Safety Advice:
Remember: If it's flooded, forget it. For flood emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500. For life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

Current emergency information is available at www.qld.gov.au/alerts

Next Issue:
The next warning will be issued by 03:00 pm EST on Saturday 01 April 2017.

Latest River Heights:
Location Height of River (m) Tendency Date/Time of Observation
Albert R at Lumeah Alert 2.01 Falling 10:53 AM SAT 01/04/17
Albert R at Bromfleet Alert 5.01 Falling 11:41 AM SAT 01/04/17
Albert R at Wolffdene Alert 6.00 Falling 11:34 AM SAT 01/04/17
Albert R at Beenleigh Alert 4.17 Falling 11:30 AM SAT 01/04/17
Burnett Ck at Maroon Dam Alert 2.00 Falling 11:23 AM SAT 01/04/17
Logan R at Rathdowney Alert 4.06 Falling 11:11 AM SAT 01/04/17
Christmas Ck at Tramway Lane TM 2.46 Falling 11:00 AM SAT 01/04/17
Logan R at Round Mountain Alert 6.71 Falling 11:41 AM SAT 01/04/17
Logan R at Beaudesert Alert 5.31 Falling 11:35 AM SAT 01/04/17
Teviot Bk at Boonah Alert 3.05 Falling 11:18 AM SAT 01/04/17
Teviot Bk at Wyaralong Dam Alert 64.20 Falling 11:12 AM SAT 01/04/17
Logan R at Yarrahappini Alert 16.81 Falling 11:39 AM SAT 01/04/17
Logan R at Maclean Br Alert 19.86 Falling 11:34 AM SAT 01/04/17
Logan R at Logan Village Alert 15.91 Rising 11:19 AM SAT 01/04/17
Logan R at Waterford Alert 9.85 Rising 11:45 AM SAT 01/04/17
Slacks Ck at Loganlea Rd Alert 7.50 Rising 11:23 AM SAT 01/04/17
This advice is also available by dialling 1300 659 219. Warning, rainfall and river information are available at Queensland Rainfall and River Conditions. The latest weather forecast is available at Queensland Forecasts.

Pollyana

Major Flood Warning for the Mackenzie and Fitzroy Rivers
Issued at 9:49 pm EST on Sunday 2 April 2017
Flood Warning Number: 29

A major flood peak is expected at Rockhampton overnight Wednesday. This flood level is likely to be larger than the 2011 floods, and may reach the February 1954 flood level of 9.40 metres.

The main flood peak in the Fitzroy system is now in the Mackenzie River downstream of Coolmaringa and will move downstream over the next week.

Dawson River downstream of Theodore:
Minor to moderate flooding is occurring along the Dawson River between Baralaba and Knebworth. Flood levels will be maintained in the lower Dawson River due to high flows from the Mackenzie river.

The Dawson River at Baralaba is close to the minor flood level (4.0 metres). River levels are expected to ease overnight Sunday.

Don and Dee Rivers:
Minor flood levels continue to ease in the Don River at Rannes.

Connors and Isaac Rivers:
Moderate flood levels are easing along the lower reaches of the Connors and Isaac Rivers.

The Isaac River at Yatton is expected to have fallen below the major flood level during Sunday. River levels are expected to remain above the moderate flood level (9.50 m) during Monday.

Mackenzie River:
Record major flooding is occurring along the lower reaches of the Mackenzie River.

The Mackenzie River at Tartrus is currently at 15.15 metres and falling. A peak of 18.26 metres was recorded at 3 pm Friday, which is higher than the previous record of 18.19 metres recorded in 1958. The Mackenzie River at Tartrus is expected to fall below the major flood level (15.00 m) overnight Sunday into Monday.

Fitzroy River:
Major flooding is expected along the Fitzroy River during next week.

The main flood peak in the Fitzroy River is now approaching Riverslea. The Fitzroy River at Riverslea is currently 25.60 m and rising at major flood level. A peak is expected at Riverslea during Monday morning.

The Fitzroy River at Yaamba is currently at 12.65 metres and rising. The Fitzroy River at Yaamba is likely to reach the major flood level (15.00 m) Monday evening.

The Fitzroy River at Rockhampton is currently at 5.85 metres and rising. The Fitzroy River at Rockhampton is likely to exceed the minor flood level (7.00 m) Monday morning. The river level is likely to exceed the major flood level (8.50 m) Tuesday morning and is likely to peak between 9.00 and 9.40 metres overnight Wednesday into Thursday. This peak height prediction will be updated when a peak is recorded upstream at Riverslea.

Flood Safety Advice:
Remember: If it's flooded, forget it. For flood emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500. For life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

Current emergency information is available at www.qld.gov.au/alerts

Warning, rainfall and river information are available at Queensland Rainfall and River Conditions. The latest weather forecast is available at Queensland Forecasts.

Next Issue:
The next warning will be issued by 08:00 am EST on Monday 03 April 2017.

Pollyana

EMERGENCY ALERT for Rockhampton

An Emergency Alert has been issued by the Rockhampton Regional Council. Major flooding in the Fitzroy River catchment is expected to peak on Wednesday at 9.4 metres. Rockhampton and surrounding areas will experience major flooding. For more information listen to ABC radio, or visit Home. For emergency flood assistance contact the State Emergency Service on 132 500.

https://www.facebook.com/QldFireandR...rvice/?fref=ts

GarryP

Looks like Queensland is in the process of turning a disaster into a crisis by not having prepared properly. The situation with the Whitsundays, the flooding, etc. are all foreseeable - so why haven't they acted before TSHTF?

Pollyana

In what way? We can't stop a cyclone. There are warnings issued as soon as possible and updated constantly - even by staff using personal social media outlets like this so that the message goes as wide as possible. There are flood area maps and emergency alert maps and messages ready to go for all areas likely to be at risk - thats why the Emergency Alert evacuation messages were issued in good time, because my office has spent hours on night shift working on the EA plans and refining all the maps.
If people chose not to evacuate what are the police supposed to do? drag them from their homes? In the case of the people in the resrts on Hamilton, Daydream, etc, they had the chance to evacuate but the companies did not advise it - that is an issue for the companies who chose not to evauate the resorts, not for emergeny services, again we can only advise, not drag people from their hotels.

We had staff and volunteers deployed to the area before thecyclone hit, ready to help out at once. All other relevant departments also had staff deployed there. Ergon, Powerlnk, Telstra, all those companies had staff in the area ready to start work as soon as it was safe.

Same for Rockhampton. The waters have been watched all week as they have flowed down the Fitzroy and warnings have been issued and passed to the communities. The risk has now been scaled back slightly, but we already have staff and volunteers in place, every department and company is ready to respond as soon as the peak of the waters goes through and starts to subside. The airport has closed and flood barriers are in place. EAs like the one I posted above are issued to every phone in the area so that people are aware as the situation worsens.

I'd be interested to hear what more you feel the emergecy services could have done. I will then pass it on as feeedback for the next time. Because there will always vbe a next time, Mother Nature is like that.

You can prepare for a cyclone and the associated flooding, You cannot stop a cyclone no matter how good the plans are. All you can do is prepare and then respond.

GarryP

Well, as far as the Whitsundays has been concerned they have been out of power and supplies and things have been getting worse. Personally I don't think any holiday makers should have been there, but at a minimum being able to get aircraft in and get them out (and residents that want to go) should be preplanned. And that includes not allowing qantas, etc. to screw them over. Or the hotels.

And on the flooding, the probability of floods coming down the river system should be well known, and there should be ways of diverting that water into catchments, etc. before it hits major towns. Or otherwise, if people will build on flood plains, then part of the cost should go into making artificial flood planes further up river. Digging holes in the ground is a banana bender core competence, no?

None of these were black swans - all were perfectly predictable, and indeed have happened before (fairly recently). Thus there should be mitigation plans in place.

One positive thing that came out of 9/11 in the UK is the cabinet office started taking civil contingencies seriously. And once they had the terrorist stuff sorted they didn't stop but continued on to preparation, and particularly resilience, for disasters - holding local and county councils feet to the fire (Cabinet Office wants to see your planning).

I'm convinced people think '1 in 100 years' is an excuse for not doing anything, whereas 1 in 100 will happen 9 times out of 10.

Pollyana

Transport was being provided for people who wanted to leave and did not have the means. Holidaymakers on the islands largely chose to stay at the advice of the resort owners. In a democratic society the police cannot just take over a resort and order everyone to leave just because of a possible cyclone. The same as they cannot order a private company like Qantas to transport people for free.
In low lying areas of Mackay evacuation orders were made, telling peole to leve because of the possible storm surge. The emergency srvices are now being criticised for doing this - can't win, can we, if that storm surge had arrived at high tide instead of low tide and drowned thousands of people we would have been slated for that too.

Natural Disasters are harder to plan for than man-made ones, but I can assure you that after 2010/11 all Local and District Disaster Management Groups were given a wake up call to update their disaster plans, provide us with Emerg Alert material etc. And they have complied, and are constantly giving us updates for those plans.

Now, where do you suggest we divert the Fitzroy River catchment to, so that avoids all urban areas on route to the coast?