Situation critical as Queensland flood waters peak

[depakid]

More homes are expected to be inundated as flood waters peak in the central western Queensland town of Emerald this afternoon.

Authorities project the town's swollen Nogoa River will reach a peak flow level of 15.5 metres about 2pm (AEST) today. "At the anticipated peak level, water will flow over the Vince Lester Bridge in Emerald," an Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ) statement said.

"The anticipated peak height does mean some inundation of houses in Emerald, and there has already been some properties affected. "There are no exact numbers of affected properties as these houses have already been vacated."

http://www.smh.com.au/news/drought/situation-critical-as-flood-waters-peak/2008/01/22/1200764208813.html

One byproduct of the flood had been a plague of snakes heading for higher ground. "There's a massive snake situation happening up there and people standing on their verandahs shooting snakes.''

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/articles/2008/01/22/1200764205477.html?s_rid=smh:top5

There have also been substantial crop and stock losses, but the flooding rains are set to boost pasture growth and water for irrigation in the long term, AgForce says.

http://news.smh.com.au/floods-a-mixed-blessing-for-farmers/20080121-1n6i.html