As the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns, a city of over 150,000 people, has been cut off almost entirely by the torrential rains brought by the remnants of Tropical Cyclone Jasper, which made landfall last week before stalling over Queensland. Water supplies in Cairns and the adjacent areas have been severely impacted by record-breaking precipitation, which has caused the loss of homes and the rescue of residents. (Data Source: CNN)

The severe weather advisory issued in response to ex-tropical Cyclone Jasper has been lifted, although the "risk remains real," according to authorities. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Cairns flooding, including pertinent information, a flood map, and advice on what to do before, during, and after a flood. The Jackery Solar Generator is a portable solar power system with increased capacity and a more affordable price point, allowing you to charge most household appliances during a power outage caused by flooding.

Nine individuals, one of whom was a minor, were reportedly stranded on the roof of a hospital located approximately 170 kilometres (105 miles) to the north of Cairns. Sunday, some 300 persons were rescued in the vicinity of Cairns, according to a report released on Monday by the Queensland State Emergency Service. Authorities have not reported any fatalities or injuries. Over 650 millimetres (approximately 25.6 inches) of precipitation fell in Cairns over 19 hours, compared to over 300 millimetres (about 11.81 inches) in 6 hours. (Data Source: CNN)

Although the severe weather advisory that ex-tropical Cyclone Jasper had issued has been lifted, the "risk remains real." Significant portions of Far North Queensland are still submerged in water. Cairns and the surrounding isolated communities are particularly impacted by the unprecedented flooding catastrophe caused by precipitation equivalent to an entire year falling in less than one week.

In recent days, remnants of a tropical cyclone in Australia's northeastern coast fell an unexpected 30 to 40 inches of precipitation, inundating an area that serves as the entrance to the Great Barrier Reef and posing a temporary threat to drinking water supplies.

As the imminent peril of severe weather has dissipated, individuals are advised to exercise caution in the vicinity of floodwaters because of the disease and crocodile risks. The freshwater supply in Cairns has been restored, and the water treatment plan is now operational; therefore, it is safe to drink.

However, a significant number of individuals in the region are powerless. Approximately 90% of initially darkened structures have since had their electricity restored; however, 13,000 new houses and buildings have been cut off due to the heavy rainfall. When a power disruption occurs due to flooding, a portable solar generator, such as the Jackery Solar Generator, which produces electricity using solar energy, appears to be an even more crucial item.

Flooding is a significant issue for several inhabitants of Cairns, a tropical metropolis in the northern region of Queensland. Central Cairns is prone to flooding during the rainy season because it is situated at a low altitude.

On the Council's website, links to a variety of Cairns flood cameras are provided. This enables disaster recovery personnel and residents to monitor the situation from desktops. The installation of these cameras is anticipated to deter individuals from hastening into hazardous regions to investigate flooding. The flood cameras in Cairns monitor:

• Peets Bridge and Gillies Highway
• Moody Creek Detention Basin
• Mckinnon Creek
• Ryan Weare Park
• Rocks Road
• Mary Parker Drive
• Yorkeys Creek
• Barr Creek
• Redden Creek

The readily accessible Cairns flood map identifies "flood-prone" areas that require evacuation during natural disasters. South Cairns possesses a passable level of resistance to flooding. On the contrary, portions of the northern coastlines and inner-city suburbs could be characterised as disaster-prone environments.

It was suggested that inhabitants conserve water and utilise rainwater for flushing restrooms. The precipitation fell over the Cape York Peninsula for approximately five days as the remnants of Tropical Cyclone Jasper moved slowly over the area. The storm landed in the region on Wednesday as a Category 2 cyclone. It rapidly weakened before stalling and dumping persistent heavy rainfall.

(Data Source: BoM)

You may be advised to evacuate if further significant flooding is anticipated, or in extreme cases of rapid flooding, information pertinent to your location will be provided. Prolonged annual precipitation, topographical features, and expansive river systems all contribute to the prevalence of Cairns flooding. Most flooding primarily results in inconveniences like the closure of roads and bridges. Therefore, understanding how to prepare for a flood in Cairns is crucial.

DFES will issue advisories and warnings once the BoM has issued a Flood Watch or Warning. The Bureau issues flood Warnings when a flood is imminent or anticipated in a specific area or location. In anticipation of impending flash flooding, a Severe Weather Warning is generated to provide advance notice of the potential occurrence. Five distinct warning levels correspond to the anticipated occurrence times of flooding. 

• Prepare for Flooding: One essential step in readiness for a flood is thoroughly evaluating one's flood plan. Ascertain the completeness of your emergency kit and prepare your residence, both internally and externally. Never swim, saunter, or play in floodwaters, as they are highly hazardous. No camping or parking is permitted near rivers.

• Take Action Now: Regarding this advisory, it is advisable to monitor fluctuations in water levels in anticipation of the necessity for an evacuation. Stockfeed or pet food should you be unable to return to your residence for several days. Animals and equipment must be relocated.

• Prepare to Evacuate: Now is the time to determine your destination and ensure your emergency supplies are readily available. Assure that all household members are donning appropriate attire and sturdy footwear. Turn off the primary reserves of electricity, water, and gas, per the instructions of emergency services. Sandbags should be prepared for placement in overflowing sewers and toilets to prevent sewage backflow.

• Evacuate Now: Immediately evacuate to a location that is deemed safer, ensuring that you carry your emergency and relocation supplies with you. Sandbags should be placed in restrooms, over drainage holes, and across doorways if one cannot evacuate to impede backflow. Locate a secure haven in the uppermost level of the dwelling.

• Cancellation: Ultimately, you should monitor water level fluctuations to be prepared to take action. Walking, swimming, or playing in floodwaters is hazardous; avoid storm drains, pipelines, ravines, and ditches.

Occasionally, you may be aware that inundation is possible; however, you may need to prepare more frequently. Without visible precipitation, flash floods can develop in minutes, and flooding caused by a drainage failure can occur suddenly. Due to this unpredictability, it is critical to understand the necessary preparations for one's residence in anticipation of a flood, particularly the Cairns flooding.

You must store your emergency kit in a watertight plastic container or a durable, water-resistant bag. A deluge may leave you without water, electricity, and other vital services for several days. A fundamental kit should be readily available at all times. The materials listed below should be included in this kit. 

In flood-prone regions, where residential and commercial properties are being severely damaged by ongoing flooding, a dependable power supply is essential to ensure the continued operation of appliances, including sump pumps, refrigerators, lighting, and more. For residents of areas prone to frequent flooding, portable solar generators provide a practical and economical alternative, particularly the Jackery Solar Generator, which integrates Jackery Solar Panels with a mobile power station to convert solar energy into electrical power. This solar emergency kit is essential during a flood or any other emergency.

In addition to property and family preparations for natural disasters, you must also account for livestock and pets. Ensuring that all canines are adequately identified through name tags, microchips, or current photographs is imperative. Additionally, maintain up-to-date stock registers for your livestock.

You can ensure your pet's safety by relocating them to a secure location beforehand. This may entail transporting the animals to animal boarding facilities, family members' homes, a temporary animal shelter, or an evacuation centre accommodating animals. When relocating your pets, ensure that you have adequate pet food, a carry-on bag, toilet paper, essential medications, and veterinary contact information.

Apart from how to prepare for a flood, you may also be interested in:

• how to prepare for a cyclone
• how to prepare for a bushfire in Australia.

One should anticipate deep floodwaters with powerful currents and pointed objects that have the potential to cause harm or ensnare. Additionally, hazardous chemicals, toxic refuse, and animals may be present in floodwaters. When the Cairns flooding warning is issued, adhere to the safety instructions in the official alerting and ensure that all household members, including pets and animals, are informed of your flood preparations.

Before seeking sanctuary in your home, it is critical that you are well informed about the potential dangers and consequences and that you adhere to the following procedures:

Protect Valuables: Position commonplace objects at an elevated height. Often, ceiling space can be used to construct flood-resistant storage for lighter domestic items. Nevertheless, unless specifically reinforced beforehand, the ceiling or upper floor may not securely support the additional weight of heavy equipment or furniture.

Prevent Dangerous Items: Firstly, place in watertight containers any chemicals that react with water to produce heat, explosive or toxic gases, or poisons at the highest concentration in your residence. Then, specify any substances with the potential to contaminate floodwaters. Lastly, assign items such as cardboard crates and newspapers requiring higher ground elevation. If this is not accomplished, they will clog sewers and disintegrate.

Add Value to Your Home: If evacuation is required, whether initiated by emergency personnel or oneself, increase the value of one's residence by turning off household utilities and vacating refrigerators and freezers while leaving doors ajar. If you choose to evacuate voluntarily, ensure that you inform the State or Territory emergency service or police and a family member, acquaintance, or neighbour of your whereabouts (and any pertinent information) so that authorities may hold you accountable.

Actions After Flood Warning: Several factors should be considered once you receive the Cairns flooding warning.

• Electricity: Plug fuses or circuit breakers situated in a metre board fuse box affixed to the residence's wall regulate the flow of electricity. Remove all fuses, including those at the main and range switch, and position them above the anticipated flood level if inundation is imminent. Utilise a secondary power source, such as the ideal portable power supply for your home, a Jackery Solar Generator.

• Gas: Turn off the primary gas valve. Typically, this valve is positioned on the gas piping immediately before it enters the gas metre.

• Fuel Tanks: They should be secured with anchors to prevent them from toppling or floating.

• Water: Turn the main water valve off. It is typically located at the water metre on the main line where the water supply enters the property. The hot water reservoir or a clean, covered bathtub may store potable water.

• Toilet & Shower: To prevent the reverse flow of sewage into the residence, place a sturdy plastic bag packed with soil or sand within the toilet basin.

Fatalities associated with flooding in Australia predominantly transpire due to inexperienced individuals venturing into the hazardous conditions via foot, vehicle, or vessel. Strolling, driving, and boating should be avoided when not strictly necessary in flooded areas.

Travelling by vehicle on roadways during or following a flood is perilous. Bridges and roads are susceptible to severe destruction at the hands of inundation. Individuals have suffered severe injuries due to debris, perished after becoming trapped in their vehicles, or been carried away by swiftly moving water. You may believe your vehicle is robust enough to survive the floodwaters.

A 4WD can be submerged in floodwaters in as little as 30cm of moving water. For lesser vehicles, the distance is merely 15cm. When a thoroughfare is closed, it remains that way. Constantly observe road closures; inspect the road conditions if no signs indicate otherwise.

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• Dispose of and combust or bury trash, decomposing plant matter, and detritus.
• Remove mud, dirt, and debris from your residence using a medium-pressure washer as soon as possible.
• Commence the process from the highest point or upper threshold of the inundation with a hose and descend towards the basement or floor.