By LAINE CLARK and KEIRA JENKINS
Communities in far North Queensland are still at risk and isolated as Cyclone Jasper continues to wreak havoc on the region.
About 35 communities are still at risk, with Kowanyama in the remote Cape York on high alert.
Major flooding is set to impact the community in the coming days as heavy rainfall from the weekend reaches the Mitchell River, with more storms forecast on Christmas Day.
Local police said Vulnerable residents had already been evacuated, but flood levels are expected to rise.
“It looks like probably exceeding major flood levels in that area in the course of the next few days,” a Bureau of Meteorology spokesman said.
What is left of Cyclone Jasper is currently in the Gulf of Carpentaria, causing thunderstorms across the Cape’s north.
Horn Island received 47mm and Coen 42mm of rain in the last 24 hours.
Kowanyama in the remote Cape York is on high alert.
“The system is still hanging around. Potentially it may still have a bit more impact for us,” the bureau said.
There is a low probability – a five to 20 per cent chance – of Jasper redeveloping into a cyclone by Christmas if it tracks northwest to the Coral Sea, the bureau said.
“But there is quite a bit of uncertainty in terms of movement. The system could move west and away,” the bureau said.
In the meantime, Kowanyama has stocked up on food and fuel as it braces for major flooding.
Queensland Police Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy said the community was well prepared but they would evacuate the whole town if necessary.
“The system is still hanging around. Potentially it may still have a bit more impact for us.”
“The advice of the Bureau of Meteorology and the advice from the mayor and the local disaster coordination group is that won’t be necessary but that’s what I’ve planned for,” he said.
About 200 people from Wujal Wujal north of Cairns have already been evacuated to Cooktown by two Australian Defence Force Chinook helicopters.
There have been no reports of serious injuries or loss of life but there are grave concerns for an 85-year-old man who has been missing since Sunday at Degarra, near Wujal Wujal.
State and federal government financial assistance has been made available to flood-hit areas while a recovery appeal has also been launched.
The Queensland government kick-started the appeal with a $1.5 million donation.
AAP
