Cairns Disaster Group Issues Flood and Storm Updates as Evacuations Continue

Cairns Hospital Emergency Department remains open 24/7 for critical and life-threatening care, with nine patients currently waiting and a median wait time of 15 minutes. An exclusion zone is in place along the Esplanade, Mini Street, Abbott Street and Florence Street following a helicopter crash in which the pilot was declared deceased and no ground injuries occurred. SES crews are evacuating residents from Holloway Beach, Yorkeys Knob and the town of Wujal Wujal where flooding has reached dangerous levels.

Official Channels for Updates

The Cairns Disaster Group is providing emergency updates through the Cairns Disaster Dashboard, the @CairnsDisasterCentre Facebook page and ABC Far North radio. Residents may also receive text alerts from the Cairns Disaster Group or automated voice calls from the landline number 0444 444 444. These channels carry the latest information on weather, evacuation advice and shelter status.

Local Evacuation and Assistance Details

SES crews are active in the listed areas surrounding Cairns. For life-threatening emergencies residents must call Triple Zero (000). Non-life-threatening flood and storm assistance is available by contacting SES on 132 500. Free sandbags are available at the Portsmith, Smithfield, Gordonvale and Babinda Transfer Stations between 8:30am and 5:15pm daily while supplies last. Personal Hardship Assistance of $180 for individuals is now available due to the Far North Queensland flooding.

Practical Steps for Residents

Cairns Regional Council has issued flood and storm emergency assistance updates that direct residents to the listed contact numbers and official dashboards. Residents in affected suburbs are advised to monitor the Cairns Disaster Dashboard for the most current evacuation and shelter information. The council continues to coordinate with QFES and the Bureau of Meteorology through these established channels.