QLD: Flood incidence likely to increase climatologist

AAP General News (Australia)
02-17-1999
QLD: Flood incidence likely to increase climatologist

As far north Queensland communities wait for the floods brought by cyclone Rona, a
climatologist warns the north could experience flood levels not seen for 4,000 years.

The researcher predicts it is no longer a case of preparing for a one-in-100 year flood
event but a one-in-30 or 40 year event.

James Cook University natural hazards lecturer Dr JOHN KNOTT says enhanced greenhouse
effect conditions are creating weather patterns similar to those which contributed to much
larger flood events in the past.

Dr KNOTT's predictions are based on a 10-year research program which recently attracted a
$200,000 Australian Research Council grant.

He says it's time local authorities began to plan for future increased flood levels by
designing flood-resistant roads, bridges and housing developments.







Thousands of Cairns residents were either stranded in their homes without power or phones
or forced to flee last week as the Barron River flooded low lying areas.

AAP RTV jak/rat/jn

KEYWORD: RONA GREENHOUSE (CAIRNS, Qld)

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