Queensland records 439mm rainfall as man found dead in creek
A rare weather system caused four days of heavy rain across the state, resulting in one death and the rescue of six campers.
By Liam Kaminski ·
Rainfall totals reached 439.4mm on the Blackdown Tableland over a four-day period ending early Monday morning, marking the highest accumulation recorded in the state during this weather event. The extreme precipitation resulted from an atmospheric system that meteorologist Angus Hines described as unusual due to widespread rain bands, thick cloud cover, and cooler temperatures. Hines noted that storms in these conditions are driven by activity in the higher parts of the atmosphere rather than typical local patterns.
The system caused a man to be found unresponsive in Smothering Creek at Boompa on the Fraser Coast shortly after 11:00 am on Monday. Queensland police confirmed the individual was declared dead at the scene and have begun an investigation. A report for the coroner is currently being prepared. Emergency services responded to the location following reports of the unresponsive male, with the body located on Boompa Road.
Six campers were rescued from a public campground in Leyburn within the Southern Downs region on Monday morning. Flood waters had stranded the group, prompting a call for help at 7:45 am. Queensland Fire and Rescue Swiftwater crews extracted three men, aged 71, 47, and 26, and two women, aged 68 and 26, by 11:15 am. Police reported no physical injuries among the rescued individuals, who were brought to safety without incident.
Heavy rain fell across Queensland from Thursday through Monday, causing rivers and roads to flood in the south and east. On Monday, police reported flash flooding at Laidley Creek and Glenore Grove in the Lockyer Valley, which closed several roads near Brisbane. Other locations recorded substantial rainfall, with Lower Springbrook near the Gold Coast measuring 325.2mm and Nambour near the Sunshine Coast measuring 314.2mm. Brooweena, located inland of K'gari, recorded 299.6mm during the same period.
The storm band traveled from southern Queensland to Bass Strait on Sunday evening, pushed by strong high-altitude winds. The system crossed most states before the steering wind tapered off overnight over the Darling Downs. Flood warnings remain active for Warrill Creek and the Bremer River in the Lockyer Valley, as well as the Macintyre and Moonie rivers in the south. The Mary River near the Sunshine Coast is also under warning. Western Queensland is on alert for the Warrego River at Charleville, the Bulloo River at Quilpie, and the Barcoo River at Blackall. The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts a return to typical spring patterns, with hot and humid days giving way to subdued afternoon showers.
Source: The Guardian
