Thousands of residents in Townsville and Ingham have been forced to evacuate as intense rain and flash flooding ravage parts of North Queensland.
Ergon Energy said the weather event was having significant impacts on the electricity network, with Ingham Substation switched off for public safety due to rising floodwaters.
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The community of Palm Island is also without power after a landslide damaged the electricity network.
“We have 20 two-person crews de-energising sections of the network for safety where necessary in the black zone in Townsville now,” Ergon said in a statement.
“Across the flood zone in North Queensland, we are monitoring the electricity network in areas at risk of inundation and switching off the power for public safety if necessary.
“This will be done on a case-by-case basis, depending on conditions, which can change dramatically and quickly in a flood event.
“This is an evolving emergency and we cannot tell people if or when their power supply is going to be turned off or when it can be safely restored.”
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Those evacuating should turn off stovetops and ovens. Residents in flood affected areas are warned to exercise extreme caution when outdoors, as fallen powerlines can be hidden in floodwaters.
Stay well away from any fallen powerlines and report them to emergency services on 000.
