Western Australia residents evacuated as flood threatens – ‘Way, way above anything that’s ever been seen here before’
13 March 2011 (ABC) — A remote Aboriginal community in Western Australia’s north is almost entirely under water. Police have evacuated parts of Fitzroy Crossing and Warmun in the Kimberley as floodwaters in the region rise. People in Wyndham, Kununurra and Halls Creek, including outlying communities in the Ord River Catchment, are also being told to prepare for flooding. A number roads in the area have been closed and up to 100 millimetres of rain is expected in affected areas during the next 24 hours. Warmun Shire chief executive officer Chris Clare says he has never seen flooding of this level in Warmun, 200 kilometres south of Kununurra. “It’s very, very bleak. The water is still rising,” he said. “It’s way, way above anything that’s ever been seen here before and it’s now flowing through three-quarters of the community. “All people’s houses are flooding, my own included of course, and it’s going to be a difficult night.” State Emergency Services spokesman Matt Reimer says people need to remain vigilant. “Keep an eye on the weather and if there are any travellers, do monitor the road condition reports and follow any directions regarding any closed roads or areas of concern that may be affected by flooding or fast-moving water,” he said.
WA residents evacuated as flood threatens
By Phil Hickey, PerthNow
March 13, 2011 PEOPLE in the town of Fitzroy Crossing in the West Kimberley need to prepare for flooding due to significant flooding in the Fitzroy Crossing flood plain. There also is a possible threat to lives and homes due to rising water levels in local rivers and streams. Travellers and transporters in the north Kimberley are asked not to travel to Fitzroy Crossing and remain either in Broome or Derby. Fitzroy Crossing is currently unable to cope with the additional strains on accommodation and food supplies due to the hotel and a caravan park being flooded. The only other caravan park in the area is full. The Bureau of Meteorology advises a flood warning remains in place for the Fitzroy River Catchment. The State Emergency Service (SES) is advising people to stay away from the Fitzroy River, flood water and floodways. Downstream in the Noonkanbah area, levels are expected to reach 11.2m-11.5m over the next two days. Widespread rainfall of 30mm-80mm with isolated heavier falls of 100mm have been reported in the 24 hours to 9am this morning. Rainfall totals are forecast to ease over the next 24-hour period in the Fitzroy River catchment with scattered showers and thunderstorms expected to produce rainfall totals between 10mm and 30mm. Some roads may be impassable and motorists should obey road closure signs and should not drive into water of unknown depth and current. Main Roads has advised that the Great Northern Highway from Fitzroy Crossing to Halls Creek is closed to all traffic while motorists are advised to expect water over roads in the Roebuck Plains. For SES assistance call 132 500. For more safety tips visit www.fesa.wa.gov.au.
