Einasleigh Evacuates Immediately Amid Flash Flooding as Copperfield Dam Spills
Residents in Einasleigh, a town situated near the Copperfield River in Far North Queensland, have been instructed to evacuate immediately due to flash flooding. The Etheridge Shire Council issued an emergency warning as heavy rainfall has caused the Copperfield Dam to spill, leading to rising water levels in the area.
Evacuation Directives
The Etheridge Shire Council's emergency warning applies to residents within the Einasleigh township and the Copperfield River area. Individuals are advised to prepare an emergency kit and proceed to the designated evacuation point located on a high section of the Einasleigh-Forsayth Road.
Etheridge Shire Mayor Barry Hughes urged residents to move to this higher ground.
Police confirmed that the Copperfield Dam had spilled over 6 meters, following approximately 250 millimeters of rainfall recorded in the Copperfield River catchment overnight, which created dangerous conditions.
Local Impact and Conditions
Reports indicate that houses in Einasleigh are either threatened or have already been inundated by floodwaters.
Tayla Wellby, the owner of the Einasleigh Hotel, evacuated her family after water entered the premises. Former publicans of the hotel noted the current water levels as the highest in recent memory.
At Jardine Station, north of Einasleigh, Chelsea Mosch reported water levels rising by approximately one meter per hour, prompting preparations for evacuation to higher ground. Some residents have already moved to a muster point on the outskirts of Einasleigh.
The region is experiencing ongoing heavy downpours attributed to a low-pressure system embedded within the monsoon trough. Continued rainfall is anticipated across the Gilbert, Robertson, Copperfield, and Einasleigh river systems. The peak time for the current flood remains undetermined.
Regional Road Closures and Warnings
Widespread heavy rainfall is impacting transportation across north Queensland, resulting in several road closures:
- The Gregory Developmental Road between Einasleigh and Gulf Developmental Road.
- The Gilbert River Bridge between Croydon and Georgetown.
- The Bruce Highway, which is cut north of Ingham at Seymour River, causing delays.
- Multiple roads in the Lower Herbert region, including the Anabranch Bridge.
A moderate flood warning is also in effect for the Herbert River, with communities in the Lower Herbert area expected to become isolated.
Hinchinbrook Shire Mayor Ramon Jayo stated that while more rain is anticipated, major flooding comparable to the early 2025 event in the Hinchinbrook Shire is not currently predicted, although conditions could change rapidly.