January 8, 2022
QFES officers and specialist swift water rescue officers were called to more than 31 rescues from houses and cars on Friday night and Saturday morning as the remnants of Cyclone Seth swamped the Wide Bay-Burnett.
At 11:45am on Saturday, the emergency was still ongoing with searches and rescues underway and a number of people unaccounted for.
The Burnett Highway is cut in the heart of Goomeri, with water flowing swiftly through the lower part of the showgrounds, pool area and in front of the Shell service station.
At noon on Saturday, floodwaters cut the Murgon-Cherbourg Road.
Swift water rescues have occurred since Friday evening at Booubyjan, Tansey, Kilkivan, Imbil, Glastonbury and Gundiah.
Four people were rescued at Woolooga, where houses and shops have been inundated.
A couple who had been camping in a motorhome at Ban Ban Springs were forced to swim to safety.
At Kanigan, a man died after his vehicle became submerged in flood waters.
About 7:30pm on Friday, police and emergency services received a report of a utility being swept off Cherry Tree Road, near the Bruce Highway, into floodwaters.
Police and swift water crews mounted an extensive search for the vehicle and its 22-year-old male driver, the sole occupant.
The Sunshine Coast man’s body was found inside the vehicle on Saturday morning.
Marodian, north of Woolooga, recorded 673mm since 9:00am on Friday while 464mm fell at Brooyar and 342mm at Kilkivan.
Gympie Regional Council issued an emergency alert for the Gympie LGA at 7:30am on Saturday.
Council has advised residents to stay off the roads.
They are also advised to stay tuned to the Bureau of Meteorology for further updates.
More information about flood heights in the area can be found online
At 2:00pm on Saturday, Gympie Council issued a second emergency alert for Goomeri, Kilkivan and Woolooga residents, advising them to stay in their homes.
Goomeri Hall of Memory and Kilkivan Hall have been set up as places of refuge.
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The Burnett Highway was still completely cut-off at Goomeri on Saturday morning.
southburnett.com.au understands there has been damage at the swimming pool and showgrounds, and Council crews are working to restore the water supply to the town after a major pipe was washed away.
[UPDATED]
Good luck to everyone up in Goomeri & the flooded areas. Stay safe please.
Snakes and what else will come from this