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Deadly downpour triggers severe flooding in Queensland, Australia

queensland-flood-april-2021

Severe flooding lashed Queensland's southeast following heavy rains over the weekend, resulting in at least four fatalities. Up to 153 mm (6 inches) of rain fell in a 24-hour period to 23:00 UTC on Monday (09:00 LT on Tuesday, April 6), according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM).

Heavy downpours triggered a mass Easter rush across southeast Queensland, resulting in flooding and four fatalities, according to 9 News. Among the victims was a 55-year-old man from the Gold Coast who crashed his vehicle after rains created slippery road conditions. 

Severe weather began Friday, April 2, with the first fatality occurring south of Cairns. On Monday, April 5, a crash on the Sunshine Coast killed a 68-year-old woman. 

According to BOM forecaster Matt Marshall, southeast Queensland had persistent rains overnight into Tuesday morning (LT), April 6. The heaviest rainfalls overnight occurred in the area, with up to 153 mm (6 inches) recorded at Maleny. 

"We are seeing multiple roads impacted by flash flooding around the Sunshine Coast – Beerwah, Peachester Glass House Mountains just a few places. If It’s Flooded, Forget It," said the Queensland Police.

Flooded roads included Mott Street at Brendale, Moore Road at Kurwongbah, Buchanan Road and Leda Boulevard, and William Berry Drive at Morayfield.

Beaches on the coast were closed, with a hazardous surf warning issued for exposed coastal waters, from Fraser Island to the New South Wales border.

At Larapinta, flash flooding closed Paradise Road in both directions between Gardens Road and Radius Drive. 

Heavy rains also caused the Nindooinbah and Cedar Pocket dams to spill excess water, while Seqwater warned residents nearby to avoid downstream of dams, including those at Enoggera, Hinze, and Wyaralong

"We will probably still see rainfall totals pick up throughout today and tomorrow, but we hope to see a bit of sunshine poking through by Wednesday afternoon," added Marshall.

Featured image credit: Mark Lucas

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