Qld: Flooding recedes but more rain expected

AAP General News (Australia)
04-08-2006
Qld: Flooding recedes but more rain expected

BRISBANE, April 8 AAP - Flood waters that swept a car from a north Queensland road
are receding, but heavy rain continues to threaten the region.

A 48-year-old man suffered hypothermia after his car was swept from a flooded road in Bowen.

A Counter Disaster and Rescue Service (CDRS) spokesman said the man escaped from the
car and made his way to the opposite bank, where he was plucked to safety by CDRS workers
about 7.15pm (AEST) yesterday.

Receding waters meant the Bruce Highway could reopen today after days of heavy rain
left it flooded at Sandy Gully, 10km north of Bowen.

Flood warnings for the Don River had been lifted, but minor flood warnings were current
for many rivers in the region, a Queensland Weather Bureau spokesman said.

The bureau reports minor to moderate flooding in the Burketown and Normanton area with
rising river levels in the lower Norman River and lower Leichhardt River.

Minor flooding is easing on the Diamantina River around Elderslie and is continuing
on the Georgina River between Urandangie and Glenormiston.

The Dawson River has risen with some minor flooding from Theodore to Baralaba.

The weather bureau and emergency crews were on standby with thunderstorms and heavy
rain predicted to hit north Queensland this afternoon, the weather bureau said.

The cyclone ravaged Innisfail region will be in the storm's path, but rain is not expected
to hamper clean-up efforts since buildings have already been weather-proofed with emergency
tarpaulin roof repairs.

Meanwhile, power has been restored to the coastal tourist centre of Mission Beach,
devastated by Cyclone Larry three weeks ago.

Another 3,300 residents and business owners were still without power in the Innisfail
area, Ergon Energy said, but an estimated 2,000 properties may be too damaged to be reconnected.

AAP rl/evt/nf

KEYWORD: FLOODS QLD NIGHTLEAD

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