Queensland Floods 2009

This is an ongoing blog compiled from various news reports and the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology and Queensland Government websites.

The Insurance Council of Australia reported at 8 April 2009 that 2,500 claims have been received and the estimated insurable cost is AUD$38 million.   The Emergency Services Minister, Neil Roberts, estimated the damage at more than AUD$210 million.

Queensland received above average rainfall in the period from 1 December 2008 to 28 February 2009, affecting more than 62% of the State across 36 Councils.

Damage extends to highways, roads and buildings. 

Floods have been exacerbated by:

• Cyclone Charlotte which crossed northern Australia on 11 January 2009 causing a 3 meter "king tide" (above average height high tide) and waist-deep waters.
• Cyclone Ellie which formed around 31 January and found land around 2 February just south of Cairns.  The Herbert River peaked at 12.2 meters (40 feet), its highest level in 20 years. Roads were flooded , water covered part of the runway at Ingham airport and the Bruce Highway was flooded, cutting it off to vehicles. 

  © Brooke Baskin, Herbert River Express, Ingham Airport 3 February 2009

• Cyclone Hamish struck fear in Northern Queensland from 5 to 10 March 2009 as a category 4 storm skirting along the coast with high winds until it did a rapid turn and headed back out to sea.

  NASA MODIS Tropical Cyclone Hamish  Taken March 9, 2009

Author

Claim Solutions Pty Ltd.

Insurance Policy

Country: - Australia

Policy Description: - Motor Vehicle, Domestic and Commercial 

Insurer: - Various 

External Links

 Queensland Government State Disaster Management Group