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Near record rainfall between January 25-29 (Australia Day weekend), associated with TC Wanda, was a major contributing factor to the Brisbane River producing the most extensive city-flooding in Australian history, forcing 9,000 people from their homes.
One third of the Brisbane metropolitan area (approx 40 suburbs) was inundated. Fifty-six houses were swept away and another 1,600 at least significantly submerged and seriously damaged adding to a total of 6007 homes flooded to some degree. There was a total of 13,000 buildings (incl homes) damaged or affected in some way in Brisbane, Ipswich and other smaller towns. Many vehicles were also damaged or destroyed.
Insurance payouts were limited to some commercial and rain-damage claims, with very little household flood damage covered. The total cost of road & bridge damage alone was $112M (1998 values). Ships docked in the Brisbane River were torn from their moorings and damaged (including an oil tanker).
The 1974 floods killed 16 people in the Brisbane (12 people & a baby drowned and 3 others suffered fatal heart attacks while being evacuated) - Ipswitch region and at least another two in floods throughout the rest of southern Qld and northern NSW (see related event no. 6094). |
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