A Cape York community is bracing for major flooding in the wake of ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper, as the search for a missing elderly man is scaled down.
Police have grave concerns for the 85-year-old who has not been seen at Degarra, north of Cairns, since Sunday night.
His home was destroyed by floodwaters and his small boat was discovered in debris near the mouth of the Bloomfield River after an extensive search.
Police have decided to scale back the search, but will act on any further information and will conduct regular patrols of the area.
“Despite tireless efforts by our crews, we have been unable to locate the man following this severe weather event,” Queensland Police Assistant Commissioner Brett Schafferius said.
“As debris is cleared and river levels subside police will continue to monitor the area for any sign of him and we hold hope that we can provide answers for his loved ones.
Nearby Wujal Wujal was one of the areas worst hit by record rainfall and flooding caused by Cyclone Jasper’s arrival last week, with almost 300 people evacuated to Cooktown.
The Cape York community of Kowanyama is on high alert with major flooding due to hit nearby Magnificent Creek from Saturday.
Creek levels reached 3.7m on Friday.
Levels are set to rival the 2000 and 2009 major floods which reached 4.35m.
“It could push beyond the major flooding level there which is four metres over the weekend at some point,” a Bureau of Meteorology spokesperson told AAP.
Early on Saturday, the weather bureau issued warnings of thunderstorms for the Townsville and Toowoomba areas, with large amounts of rain.
Bushland Beach near Townsville recorded 85mm of rain in one hour on Saturday morning.
The severe thunderstorm warning was later lifted, but the BoM warned of instability in the atmosphere causing more storms.
Floodwaters and rain have eased in the Cairns region, allowing the massive recovery effort to begin.
More than 650km of state roads has been reopened, thousands of tonnes of flood debris cleared and hundreds of inspections completed to ensure motorists’ safety.
Rail recovery works are also under way.
Authorities said they hope the North Coast line between Townsville and Cairns will reopen by Christmas for groceries and essential goods.
The Kuranda Range is expected to remain closed until mid-February with nearly 100 sites identified for repairs.
The recovery has been boosted by a state-federal $64 million assistance package announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese who visited the far north on Friday.
A flood appeal has also been launched, kicked off by $1.5 million from the Queensland government.
The state’s minister for communities announced a $105,000 boost for emergency relief providers to help distribute aid.
Leeanne Enoch said the money will go towards food hampers, vouchers for essential items and transport, and contributions towards the payment of bills.
“It will be a long road to recovery for many,” she said.
“If you are struggling with unexpected financial pressures as a result of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper, please seek assistance from one of the 21 Emergency Relief services in far north Queensland.” she said.
Locals have been warned the recovery could take months.
Operating hours for essential services will be extended in the state.
Planning Minister Meaghan Scanlon said shops, warehouses and transport depots can operate 24-hours a day, seven days a week to deliver vital goods and services.
“”We want to help get affected businesses and operators back online as soon as possible,” she said.
“These changes will help far north businesses and suppliers restock shelves and start operating again while the clean-up and recovery gets underway.”
