Dramatic vision has emerged of a dog trapped in the raging floodwaters of the Northern Territory’s Katherine River being rescued by a passing helicopter.
The NT Emergency Service captures the moment a passing helicopter pilot drops a police officer on top of an SUV, which became bogged on a creek crossing west of the river.
The driver and passenger of the vehicle were rescued before the helicopter doubled back to retrieve their dog.
During the perilous rescue mission, the officer pulled the german shepherd on to the roof while the pilot deftly manoeuvred his helicopter within metres of the foaming rapids.
“There he is, the alsatian is on the roof – don’t scratch the paint work,” a man behind the camera said.
The officer is then able to carry the visibly shaken pooch aboard before flying to safety.
Floods turn deadly
The rescue comes after the grim discovery of a couple bodies found in the search for two missing tourists in the Queensland floodwaters.
Police said they have found “two deceased people believed to be two missing international tourists” shortly after their vehicle was discovered at Kilkivan Tansey Road near the small town of Kilkivan.
The alarm was raised on Wednesday after the two tourists – a 26-year-old man and 23-year-old woman – failed to arrive in the North Burnett region after leaving Brisbane.
The pair were believed to be travelling in a silver Subaru Forester, which was located on Wednesday afternoon.
Their disappearance sparked a widescale search involving police and SES crews.
Kilkivan is located within the Burnett River catchment, which saw massive flooding through the week, especially in towns like Bundaberg and Chinchilla.
Nearby towns including Curra and Gympie also experienced flooding large rainfalls and overflow from the Mary River in the past several days.
‘Very dangerous thunderstorm’
A “very dangerous thunderstorm” that could lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding was detected earlier on Friday afternoon.
The slow moving thunderstorm was due to affect Jimboomba by 3.25pm, with other severe thunderstorms that could lead to flash flooding were also detected near Highvale, Samford and Albany Creek, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
Those storms are moving north, and are anticipated to affect Strathpine, Lake Samsonvale, and Kallangur by about 2.55pm.
Narangba, Dayboro and Burpengary were expected to be affected by about 3.25pm.
People have been advised to park undercover away from trees, close doors and windows, and keep asthma medications nearby.
Mobile phones and power banks should be charged in case of power outages, and pets should be put somewhere safe.
The Bureau have urged people not to drive unless needed due to dangerous conditions.
“Go inside a strong building now. Stay inside until the storm has passed,” the warning stated.
Queenslanders assess damage
Elsewhere in Queensland, locals in Bundaberg are beginning to survey the wreckage to their homes and businesses as floodwaters recede.
Bundaberg Regional Council reported on Thursday morning that the town bridges over the Burnett River have officially reopened.
“Both the Burnett Traffic and Tallon Bridges are now open and communities can return to Bundaberg North with care. There are 40km/hr speed limits in place for Queens Street and Hinkler Ave,” a council spokesman said.
“We are asking motorists to drive carefully and take care around people undertaking restoration and cleaning works. There will be heavy machinery and workers in the Bundaberg North area performing essential recovery and cleaning activities,” they said.
“Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to get the community back on its feet.”
Aerial footage released by police has revealed the extent of the devastation in the area, with roads, trees and homes nearly swallowed up by floodwaters.
The vision has also captured the bizarre circumstances properties and – in some cases, animals – have found themselves in thanks to flooding.
A group of horses were pictured holed up in a construction site, and entire streets were observed completely surrounded by murky brown floodwaters.
State member for Bundaberg Tom Smith was in town on Thursday morning, and made note that waters had “dropped significantly” compared to the same time on Wednesday.
“For all those who know that their properties are impacted and warning to return to assess the damage, this will be a very difficult time; however, it is critical that nobody attempts to return to their property until council and our emergency services say it is safe to do so,” he said.
“As a whole community, we are facing this challenge in the spirit our region is known for.”
More to come.
