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DISASTER DECLARED AHEAD OF ULUI'S ARRIVAL

Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services

The Honourable Neil Roberts

20/03/2010

Premier Anna Bligh and Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts have this afternoon pre-emptively declared a disaster situation in eight local government areas likely to be impacted by Tropical Cyclone Ului.

Ms Bligh said the declaration applied to the Townsville, Burdekin, Whitsunday, Charters Towers, Mackay, Isaac, Rockhampton and Central Highlands local government areas.

"This declaration is in anticipation that some properties may need to be evacuated in the coming hours as Tropical Cyclone Ului approaches and then crosses the North Queensland coast," The Premier said.

"The declaration gives Emergency Services agencies the power of mandatory evacuations if required."

Ms Bligh said the category two cyclone was powering towards the Queensland coast and was now anticipated to cross the coast in the early hours of tomorrow morning.

"The Bureau of Meteorology has advised the Ului has re-intensified overnight and may possibly cross the co ast as a category three system with maximum wind gusts of up to 170km/hr," she said.

"A key concern for the bureau and emergency services agencies was the potential for flooding in areas to the south of the system.

"We have been advised that there is the potential for 200-300mm of rain in the aftermath of the cyclone crossing the coast which could lead to moderate or major flooding in some already-charged rivers and streams."

Mr Roberts said destructive winds were expected to develop along the North Queensland coast this afternoon.

"Local disaster management groups and residents have finalised their preparations for the expected arrival of Ului today," Mr Roberts said.

"Residents should now keep themselves informed of the latest advice from the Bureau of Meteorology in preparation of Ului's expected coastal crossing tomorrow morning.

"With the cyclone expected to cross so early in the morning, I urge residents not to venture ou tside their properties until given the all clear by emergency services agencies.

"Early risers may awaken to still conditions. This could just be the eye of the storm and strong winds may return.

"Listen to your radio and wait for the cyclone to have completely passed before going outside."

Permanent Link: DISASTER DECLARED AHEAD OF ULUI'S ARRIVAL
Publish Date: 21 Mar 10

Article Contact Details

Queensland Government, Department of Community Safety, Emergency Services :
Emergency Services Complex, Cnr Park Road & Kedron Park Road, Kedron, Brisbane
Phone: 07 3247 8604
Non-fixed: 1300 369 003

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