Parts of north Queensland still at risk of flooding, police warn

Residents of the rain-hit north Queensland town of Innisfail have been warned they may need to flee to higher ground.

The call comes after the river levels rose as locals welcomed the drought-breaking downfall.

Other parts of rain-soaked north Queensland remain on high alert.

Police have warned low-lying houses close to the North Johnstone river are particularly at risk, but the level of the South Johnstone river is also rising.

A disaster situation was declared on Friday across North Queensland as flooding cut off major roads, houses were flooded and schools closed.

The emergency services minister, Craig Crawford, said the declaration gave emergency services the powers they needed to respond effectively to the flood.

Source: theguardian