A woman has died and a desperate search is underway for a motorcyclist as intense rain continues to lash the state.
Queensland Police confirmed the body of a 60-year-old woman was found inside a vehicle that became submerged in floodwaters on the Sunshine Coast.
“Unfortunately we have seen a death overnight and we at all cost want to try to avoid that,” Superintendent Craig Hawkins said.
“A vehicle has been found in floodwaters in Belli Park and a female person has been found in that vehicle”.
“We’re still working out what has occurred.”
An air and land search is also underway for a man missing in flood waters at Cedar Pocket.
The 54-year-old’s motorcycle was found about 200 metres from Green Creek Bridge, off Cedar Pocket Road, around 7.30am this morning.
It comes after the road was subject to extreme rain and flash flooding overnight.
Water police, QFES swift water rescue, police divers and the rescue helicopter are all scouring river banks and creeks in the area.
The heavy rainfall is expected to continue across the South East for the next few days, with the Premier warning residents to be prepared.
“This has the potential to be a significant rainfall event for South East Queensland,” Annastacia Palaszczuk said.
“Locally intense rainfall is possible and since many catchments are now saturated, there is an increased risk of dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding over the coming days.
“Over the coming days some areas will also see a month’s worth of rainfall.”
Sandbagging stations have opened on the Gold Coast as the city braces for up to 200 millimetres today alone.
“This is about preparing your home and ensuring your household emergency kit is properly stocked,” Mayor Tom Tate said.
“Importantly, ensure every family member is aware of what actions to take if the weather event worsens.
“Being prepared is the best measure as we want to minimise the number of cars on the road and ensure residents, business and visitors are prepared.”
