Townsville Flood Map: Risk Zones & Safety Tips
To be honest, flooding is something many people in Townsville are all too familiar with. Living in a city built on a floodplain near the Bohle and Ross Rivers means thereâs always a risk when heavy rain falls.
One of the most serious floods happened in early 2019, when rain fell nonstop from late January to early February. Aside from breaking records, it caused a lot of major damage. Homes, businesses, and entire streets were underwater, and the cost was massive. Over $887 million made it to insurance claims.
Thankfully, a flooding service called a Townsville Flood Map was created to help locals understand their flood risk better. If youâre still new in the town or curious to find out more, weâll show you how to use the Townsville Flood Map, and also explain the best ways to stay prepared, so you and your loved ones can stay safe when the next big storm comes up. Letâs get to it!
Where to Access the Townsville Flood Map?
The Townsville Flood Map lets you check how flood-prone your area is. You also get to see past flood levels and get important information if you're building or making changes to your property. You can access this map through the Flood Information Portal on the Townsville City Council website. This portal has the most up-to-date and accurate flood information available.
This flood map Townsville is quite an interactive online map and is easy to use. It lets you explore flood zones, check flood history, and even find details useful for building or renovating.
More updates are coming, and soon, youâll also be able to view technical reports directly through the âFlood Study Areasâ layer in TownsvilleMAPS. But for now, those reports are already available on the Flood Studies page if youâre after more detailed information.
Flood Risk Levels and Their Meanings
When looking at Townsville flood mapping, you'll notice that flood risk levels are divided into three main categories. They include Minor, Moderate, and Major. These flood levels, set by the Bureau of Meteorology, are based on river heights. Hereâs what they mean:
Minor Flooding: This is the least severe flood type. The inconvenience isnât that much. Low-lying areas near creeks or rivers might fill with water, small roads can get cut off, and bike or walking paths might be covered. Also, some backyards or below-floor-level buildings may get wet. If youâre living in a rural area, you might need to move animals or equipment to higher ground.
Moderate Flooding: This flood level is a bit serious. Here, more areas will be underwater. Main roads could be affected, and some buildings might start to flood above floor level. People may need to evacuate their homes, and in farming areas, livestock should be moved urgently.
Major Flooding: The epic of all flood levels. It affects a better part of towns or farmland. Everywhere can be underwater, and many buildings may flood above the floor level. Roads and railways may be completely shut down, and evacuations are often needed in towns. In cases like this, services like power, water, or internet will be cut off indefinitely.
What Areas in Townsville Are at Higher Risk?
In Townsville, some areas are more prone to flooding than others. According to Townsville flood maps, suburbs close to the Ross River, like Rosslea, Hermit Park, and Idalia, can easily be flooded. These places experienced serious flooding in the past, with homes and streets going underwater.
Other areas that are also at risk include Townsville City, Oonoonba, Cluden, West End, Rowes Bay, and any neighborhoods located near riverbanks or low-lying land.
How to Prepare for Flooding in Townsville?
As long as youâre living in Townsville, you should always be prepared for flooding. Here are tips to carry with you:
First, make an emergency plan. Always talk with your family about what to do during a flood, where to go, and how to stay safe.
Also, get familiar with your risks. Check Townsville flood maps to see if your area is at risk and learn what hazards might affect your home.
Pack an emergency kit. It should include food, water, a torch, a radio, medicine, important documents, and supplies for pets. Ensure they are enough for several days.
Clear the gutters, trim overhanging branches, and secure loose items like bins and outdoor furniture to protect your home.
Fix weak spots like rotten timber, corrosion, or loose fittings around your home.
Have sandbags or other barriers ready to help stop water from entering your home.
Keep fuel, chemicals, and poisons above expected flood levels to prevent contamination.
Consider an emergency generator for house use to keep lights, fridges, and medical devices running if the power goes out.
Finally, stay informed by listening to local weather updates and following advice from emergency services during flood events.
What to Do During a Flood?
Whether youâre witnessing a minor or major flood, here are things to do to stay safe:
If you're in a low-lying or flood-prone area, leave immediately and go to higher ground.
Follow evacuation orders, too. Lock up your home, and if you have time, ensure to disconnect appliances and utilities for safety.
Never walk or drive through floodwaters. Just 6 inches can knock you over, and 12 inches can carry away a small car. The water may hide sharp debris, power lines, or dangerous chemicals, so avoid it at all costs.
Floods can knock out electricity. However, if itâs a minor flood where you donât have to evacuate your home, itâs smart to have the best backup power source for security systems. Solar panels or a battery backup system like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Portable Power Station can help keep your security cameras and alarms and other electrical appliances running even if the grid goes down.
Also, be cautious with electricity. Avoid entering areas where outlets or cords are underwater. If you hear buzzing or see sparks, get out immediately.
Finally, if youâre trapped by rising water, climb to the highest point you can and call for help if possible. Never try to cross a flooded road.
What to Do After a Flood?
Floods donât just leave water behind, they also leave danger. So, you should take safety precautions. Hereâs what to do:
Do not switch on your water, gas, or electricity. There might be faulty wiring or gas leaks. So, let your utility provider or a licensed professional check everything first.
Keep checking local news, apps, or emergency services for updates on safe roads, clean water, and utility service.
When the sun is out after the flood, solar panels like the EcoFlow 400W Portable Solar Panel can help recharge your devices, pending when the grid is back on.
Even with the damage everywhere, avoid using your generator indoors. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and a serious risk.
Avoid standing water as it may contain sewage, chemicals, and hidden sharp objects. Also, roads may be washed out underneath. Usually, youâll see caution signs like âRoad Closed.â Pay attention to them as theyâre there to protect you from danger.
Stay away from flooded or damaged areas unless you're part of the response team. Being there can slow down emergency efforts.
Finally, call or message your family and friends to let them know youâre okay. It helps reduce worry and gets the word out faster.
Conclusion
As a Townsville resident, you really canât avoid flooding. As much as itâs a problem, you can stay ahead of it with the right tools. Pay attention to the tips weâve explored above. It also helps that the Townsville Flood Map is there to provide all the required information. Donât forget to have your emergency kit sorted out.
Finally, remember, power outages are common after a flood, so having a reliable backup like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Portable Power Station can be a real lifesaver. At least, all your electrical essentials will keep running until electricity is restored. Overall, stay alert, stay safe, and stay ready.
FAQs
Which Townsville suburbs are least likely to flood?
Suburbs like Kelso, Rasmussen, Condon, and Mt. Louisa are generally less likely to flood, as theyâre on higher ground and farther from the river.
How can I check if I am in a flood zone in Townsville?
Visit the Townsville City Councilâs Flood Information Portal and use the TownsvilleMAPS to view flood risk and past flood extents in your area.
Whatâs the difference between river flooding and flash flooding in Townsville?
Flash flooding in Townsville happens suddenly after heavy rainfall, often within hours, and can be life-threatening. River flooding, on the other hand, develops more slowly as rivers like the Ross overflow. Floods like this cause more widespread property damage.