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May 22 Severe Weather Update
05/22/2009

Rain has eased over south east Queensland in the past 24 hours revealing the destruction of the severe weather experienced earlier in the week.

A severe weather warning for abnormally high tides and dangerous surf remains for the south east coastal district.

The SES 132500 hotline has received more than 2,660 calls since Wednesday afternoon and volunteers have been tasked to more than 1965 jobs to assist mainly with minor roof repairs and sandbagging.

Twenty-three SES volunteers from far north Queensland will join over 200 volunteers in the south eastern region today to assist with the clean up.

In addition, since midnight on 18 May, Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) swift water crews have responded to more than 60 calls for assistance to rescue people from vehicles caught in floodwaters.

Some roads in South East Queensland remain cut off by floodwaters and residents are urged to exercise extreme caution on the roads today.

Nine lives have been lost in Queensland during flooding events in recent months and Emergency Management Queensland advises that people should take every measure to be safe by:
• Not driving, walking or riding through flood waters;
• Being aware of fallen trees and powerlines and reporting fallen powerlines to Energex immediately on 13 62 62;
• If near the coastline, staying well away from the water's edge; and
• For flood-related emergencies, contact the SES on 132 500. For life-threatening emergencies, contact 000.


Contact: For more information contact Emergency Services Media on 07 3247 8186.