Emergency in Logan & Ipswich: Residents Struggle as Cyclone Alfred Leaves a Trail of Destruction
People in Logan and Ipswich are still dealing with serious floods after Tropical Cyclone Alfred’s remnants dumped a lot of rain on the area. As the water levels rise, people are still being warned to leave their homes and major roads are being cut off.
Evacuations and Emergency Warnings
On Monday morning, the Ipswich City Council sent out an emergency message telling people to get ready to leave their homes because heavy rain had caused dangerous flash floods. Many people were stuck in their homes when floods rose in several neighbourhoods, such as Bundamba, Blackstone, and Goodna.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued major flood warnings for the Bremer River, Warrill Creek, and the Logan and Albert Rivers. In Greenbank, a staggering 214.6mm of rain was recorded within 24 hours. The Bremer River peaked at 15.42m on Monday morning, while the Logan River rose to 14.96m, with further rises expected.
Homes and Roads Submerged
Inland areas from Logan to Ipswich saw significant flooding as ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred’s rain system moved westward. Residents of Eagleby and Beenleigh were among the hardest hit, with floodwaters rapidly engulfing homes and properties. Dozens of homes in low-lying areas were inundated, and many residents found themselves cut off from essential services.
Flooding forced the closure of over 113 roads in the Logan City Council area and over 75 in Ipswich. Many people struggled to get on and off major routes such as the Mt Lindesay Highway, the Pacific Motorway, and the Logan Motorway. Because of flooded tracks, Queensland Rail had to cut back on services on the Beenleigh, Springfield, and Ipswich lines.
Fast-Rising and Receding Floodwaters
Many affected residents reported that while floodwaters rose quickly, they also receded just as fast, leaving behind mud and debris. In Bundamba, residents like Anthony Blaslov, whose home was previously damaged in the 2022 floods and Christmas Day storms, said the water levels came within 60cm of the devastating 2022 peak.
“We had a few days’ notice, so we moved our valuables, but once it started rising, all we could do was wait,” Blaslov said. By Monday afternoon, many residents were already starting the cleanup, though more rain threatened to complicate efforts.
Oxley Residents Trapped
Oxley Road, notorious for flooding, turned into a river overnight, trapping residents in several low-lying streets. Newcomers to the area, Alara Saroglia and Hayden Edwards, were caught off guard when floodwaters rose dramatically within hours.
“We honestly thought it wouldn’t get that bad,” Saroglia said. “By the time we realized how fast it was coming up, we had no way to leave.”
By late morning, floodwaters had reached waist height inside their home, destroying appliances and belongings. Edwards, an Energex worker, had planned to help with flood recovery efforts on the Gold Coast but found himself stranded instead.
Relief Efforts and Cleanup Operations Underway
Logan City Council announced free waste disposal services for flood-affected residents, allowing them to dispose of storm and domestic waste at no cost until March 16. However, Mayor Jon Raven noted that kerbside pickup was still under assessment due to logistical challenges.
“We’re working to get waste collection back on track, but it’s a tough task with so many roads still cut off,” Raven said. “Residents should leave their red-lidded bins out, and crews will attempt collections as soon as possible.”
Ipswich City Council has opened additional refuge centers to support displaced residents. Meanwhile, flood-affected communities continue to brace for potential high tides and further rainfall in the coming days.
Stay Updated
Authorities urge residents to stay informed via official updates from the Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland Police, and local councils. With floodwaters still posing risks, people are advised not to attempt to drive through flooded roads and to seek shelter if needed.
For more information visit www.disaster.ipswich.qld.gov.au or local radio for more information.
