Record-breaking rain and wild weather battering the east coast has caused wastewater to release into the Brisbane River, triggering an urgent health warning.
Queenslanders are urged to temporarily avoid contact with the river between Vic Lucas Park at Bulimba and Colmslie Beach Reserve at Murarrie.
According to Urban Utilities and Queensland Health, contact with the polluted water could lead to wound infections, diarrhoea, conjunctivitis, ear, nose and throat infections, and other infections.
READ MORE: Dutton invokes backlash after calling for total ban on Palestinian refugees
Anyone who has made contact with the river is urged to wash their skin, monitor for symptoms and get in touch with their doctor or call 13 HEALTH (13 432 584).
Queensland has seen a deluge with widespread heavy falls in the Capricornia and Wide Bay-Burnett areas.
Residents near Rockhampton saw the highest rainfall of almost 180mm.
READ MORE: Cemetery becomes crime scene after alleged stabbing in Sydney
Minor flood warnings were in place from Yeppoon in Central Queensland to Coffs Harbour on the NSW North Coast.
The Bureau of Meteorology said the rain band was breaking up with the heaviest lashing now over.
“Fog will be the watch point as we get all that lying moisture on the ground and then those clearing skies overnight so early morning fogs will be a watch point and could lead to hazardous driving conditions,” meteorologist Felim Hannify said.
“Certainly will be a watch for the airports in the in these areas as well with, you know, some areas of fog may create disruption at times.”
READ MORE: Major Aussie music festival axed
https://twitter.com/Ben_Domensino/status/1823517785642950912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) warned the downpour will lead to an increased risk of flash flooding and river levels rising, with flood warnings current for the Tweed, Brunswick, Richmond, Wilsons, Orara and Bellinger rivers.
Acting north-eastern zone commander, Chief Superintendent Kristine McDonald, said teams were well-prepared for flood rescue operations, but residents should take extra care today.
“With catchments already wet and soil moisture high from rainfall earlier this week, several roads are already inundated by floodwaters so people should avoid unnecessary travel in the rain,” she said.
“Flash flooding can occur rapidly and without warning, posing a risk to life and property, and we are reminding people to never drive, walk or play in floodwaters.”
Authorities are especially concerned about the city of Lismore, one of the country’s most flood-prone communities.
READ MORE: Aussie city bans the hire of e-scooters
A 24-hour incident management team has been set up there to coordinate the response to calls for help.
The SES says it prepositioned flood rescue teams and assets ahead of the bad weather.
Since the start of this week, volunteers responded to 163 incidents across NSW, including 116 in the North East Zone, with three flood rescues.
FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, celebrity and sport via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.
links to content on ABC
9News
