Townsville Bishop Tim Harris has offered prayers and support to North Queensland after floodwaters inundated homes and businesses in Ingham, leaving one woman dead. Source: The Catholic Leader.
Large parts of North Queensland are under threat and thousands are under evacuation orders as rain and flooding threatens the region.
Investigations are underway into the death of a 63-year-old woman at Ingham on Sunday after a State Emergency Service vessel was assisting members of the public through flood waters when it struck a tree and flipped.
Bishop Harris said Ingham was cut off and described it as “an absolute disaster zone”.
“The [Hinchinbrook] mayor [Ramon Jayo] told me they can’t drive more than 120 metres anywhere in town,” Bishop Harris said.
“Right now, there are 120 people in evacuation centres, and many others are either elsewhere or possibly still in their homes. The mayor doesn’t even know for sure.
“A bridge between Townsville and Ingham has washed away, so Ingham is completely cut off. The next days, weeks and months will be critical in its restoration efforts . The town will need all the help it can get.”
Bishop Harris said he rang Mr Jayo to offer his prayers and support.
“I also told him that Centacare North Queensland is out and about in Townsville,” he said.
“They have a presence in the evacuation centres at North Ward and Heatley, helping families deal with the trauma of losing their homes.
“I told him that as soon as we can, we’ll send support, but he acknowledged that I won’t be able to get there for some time.
“The bridge is cut off, and the power station has been flooded. People are without power, and in some cases, water.”
Bishop Harris said Mr Jayo said this was one of the worst floods he had seen.
“North Queenslanders are used to floods, but they’re devastating every time,” Bishop Harris said.
“There will be a huge need to repair homes and businesses. Tradespeople will be in high demand, and Townsville’s situation is still unclear. But Ingham is the real concern right now.”
The federal and Queensland governments have extended disaster assistance to more north Queenslanders affected by the rains and flooding that continues to bear down on the region.
FULL STORY
Ingham hit hard by flooding – Bishop Tim Harris offers prayers and support as region braces for more rain (By Matt Emerick, The Catholic Leader)
