Chaos on the Gold Coast: Looting amid catastrophic floods, thousands left powerless for days

The Gold Coast, known for its beautiful beaches and lively nightlife, is currently facing a different reality. Torrential rains have battered the region, leading to widespread flooding and power outages.

The situation has become so dire that the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is on standby to provide assistance if needed. But amidst the chaos and devastation, a new threat has emerged: looting.


In the past 24 hours, dozens of people have been rescued, and it's feared that thousands could be without power for up to ten days.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued severe weather warnings for Burnett, Wide Bay, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast hinterland. Springbrook was hit with rainfall as high as 500 millimetres in the 24 hours to 9 p.m. last January 1, and the weather is expected to persist.


415310104_1077126116596416_3455517218008629780_n.jpg
The Gold Coast was hit with torrential rains that led to flooding and power outages. Credit: Loysh Photography & Film/Facebook


Several regions brace for an intense downpour, with predictions of 100 to 200 millimetres in just three hours and daily accumulations potentially exceeding 350 millimetres, accompanied by localised, severe rainfall.

As the region grapples with the aftermath of the deluge, reports of looting around Mount Tamborine have surfaced, increasing police presence in some communities.


Queensland Police Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy has condemned the act, stating, 'I think it's a despicable act. The police will take a very hard line, and we won't take a backward step on that sort of behaviour.'

Two reports of looting at Mount Tamborine have been reported, but no arrests have been made yet, according to Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll.

The Gold Coast and Scenic Rim have experienced 'intense rainfall, with up to 500 millimetres in some locations over the last 24 hours,' according to Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Deputy Commissioner Kevin Walsh.

‘So the ground is absolutely saturated. And what we're seeing is with quick spurts of intense rainfall, the river systems, creeks and roadways, the flooding is rising very quickly, and catching people unaware,’ he stated.

The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that the storms are 'hit-and-miss,' making them harder to predict. A severe weather warning remains in place for the southeast coast, along with flood watches for most of the region's major rivers.

Residents in Lismore, Tweed Heads, Murwillumbah, Byron Bay, Casino, and Kyogle are advised to stay informed about developing conditions as flash floods may also affect northern New South Wales.


In such a scenario, knowing how to protect your home from potential looters is crucial. Here are some tips:

How to protect your home from potential looters.jpg


As the region braces for more rainfall, residents are urged to stay safe and look out for each other.

You can watch 9 News Gold Coast’s report on the situation here:



Key Takeaways

  • Dozens of people have been rescued amid severe weather conditions, with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) on standby to assist where necessary.
  • There are reports of looting in flood-hit Gold Coast regions, leading to additional police being deployed in areas such as Mount Tamborine to maintain security.
  • Several regions, including the Gold Coast hinterland, have received severe weather warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology, with substantial rainfall causing fears of life-threatening flash flooding.
  • The Queensland Police and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) are closely monitoring and responding to the rapidly rising floodwaters exacerbated by the saturated ground from previous downpours.

For the latest updates and warnings about the floods, please check out the Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland’s social media page here, and the Queensland Fire & Emergency page here.

If you are affected by floods in Gold Coast and need assistance, call 132 500 for non-life-threatening emergency situations.

Have you experienced a similar situation in your area, members? Share your experiences and tips for extreme weather events in the comments below.
 
Last edited:
Sponsored
The Gold Coast Hinterland is a complete disaster . Springbrook is one of the wettest places in SEQld . Now so many people have lost their homes due to severe weather conditions and the looters come in and take whatever they have left . How low can you go !
Also Mount Tamborine with their beautiful galleries, café’s and wedding chapels etc. My daughter in law’s sister got married there only 6 weeks ago .
I hope they arrest those looters and make them work there to clean up and be supervised by authorities.
 
The Gold Coast Hinterland is a complete disaster . Springbrook is one of the wettest places in SEQld . Now so many people have lost their homes due to severe weather conditions and the looters come in and take whatever they have left . How low can you go !
Also Mount Tamborine with their beautiful galleries, café’s and wedding chapels etc. My daughter in law’s sister got married there only 6 weeks ago .
I hope they arrest those looters and make them work there to clean up and be supervised by authorities.
You’ll never get rid of these parasites it happens every time there’s a disaster. Scum of the earth they obviously have no heart or compassion for others.😡makes me so angry 😡
 
We need a lot of stricter rules in this country to get a safer and “lucky “ country again . Justice needs to be dealt and punish them so they would think twice to do it again. They only get a slab on the wrist and they know it , why would you work , if you can steel from hard working people ?
I wish they come up with some right and good justice .
 
We need a lot of stricter rules in this country to get a safer and “lucky “ country again . Justice needs to be dealt and punish them so they would think twice to do it again. They only get a slab on the wrist and they know it , why would you work , if you can steel from hard working people ?
I wish they come up with some right and good justice .
Hear hear😍
 
  • Like
Reactions: magpie1 and Ezzy
The Gold Coast, known for its beautiful beaches and lively nightlife, is currently facing a different reality. Torrential rains have battered the region, leading to widespread flooding and power outages.

The situation has become so dire that the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is on standby to provide assistance if needed. But amidst the chaos and devastation, a new threat has emerged: looting.


In the past 24 hours, dozens of people have been rescued, and it's feared that thousands could be without power for up to ten days.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued severe weather warnings for Burnett, Wide Bay, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast hinterland. Springbrook was hit with rainfall as high as 500 millimetres in the 24 hours to 9 p.m. last January 1, and the weather is expected to persist.


View attachment 38448
The Gold Coast was hit with torrential rains that led to flooding and power outages. Credit: Loysh Photography & Film/Facebook


Several regions brace for an intense downpour, with predictions of 100 to 200 millimetres in just three hours and daily accumulations potentially exceeding 350 millimetres, accompanied by localised, severe rainfall.

As the region grapples with the aftermath of the deluge, reports of looting around Mount Tamborine have surfaced, increasing police presence in some communities.


Queensland Police Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy has condemned the act, stating, 'I think it's a despicable act. The police will take a very hard line, and we won't take a backward step on that sort of behaviour.'

Two reports of looting at Mount Tamborine have been reported, but no arrests have been made yet, according to Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll.

The Gold Coast and Scenic Rim have experienced 'intense rainfall, with up to 500 millimetres in some locations over the last 24 hours,' according to Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Deputy Commissioner Kevin Walsh.

‘So the ground is absolutely saturated. And what we're seeing is with quick spurts of intense rainfall, the river systems, creeks and roadways, the flooding is rising very quickly, and catching people unaware,’ he stated.

The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that the storms are 'hit-and-miss,' making them harder to predict. A severe weather warning remains in place for the southeast coast, along with flood watches for most of the region's major rivers.

Residents in Lismore, Tweed Heads, Murwillumbah, Byron Bay, Casino, and Kyogle are advised to stay informed about developing conditions as flash floods may also affect northern New South Wales.


In such a scenario, knowing how to protect your home from potential looters is crucial. Here are some tips:



As the region braces for more rainfall, residents are urged to stay safe and look out for each other.

You can watch 9 News Gold Coast’s report on the situation here:



Key Takeaways

  • Dozens of people have been rescued amid severe weather conditions, with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) on standby to assist where necessary.
  • There are reports of looting in flood-hit Gold Coast regions, leading to additional police being deployed in areas such as Mount Tamborine to maintain security.
  • Several regions, including the Gold Coast hinterland, have received severe weather warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology, with substantial rainfall causing fears of life-threatening flash flooding.
  • The Queensland Police and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) are closely monitoring and responding to the rapidly rising floodwaters exacerbated by the saturated ground from previous downpours.

For the latest updates and warnings about the floods, please check out the Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland’s social media page here, and the Queensland Fire & Emergency page here.

If you are affected by floods in Gold Coast and need assistance, call 132 500 for non-life-threatening emergency situations.

Have you experienced a similar situation in your area, members? Share your experiences and tips for extreme weather events in the comments below.

It has been horrendous. Christmas night a tornado went through and ripped tiles of my home in Helensvale. Trees ripped out all over the place. I have never experienced anything like this. No power for no cell coverage not internet, at least we had hot water thanks to the solar hot water system. A lot of people worst off than me. Stay safe.
 
The Gold Coast, known for its beautiful beaches and lively nightlife, is currently facing a different reality. Torrential rains have battered the region, leading to widespread flooding and power outages.

The situation has become so dire that the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is on standby to provide assistance if needed. But amidst the chaos and devastation, a new threat has emerged: looting.


In the past 24 hours, dozens of people have been rescued, and it's feared that thousands could be without power for up to ten days.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued severe weather warnings for Burnett, Wide Bay, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast hinterland. Springbrook was hit with rainfall as high as 500 millimetres in the 24 hours to 9 p.m. last January 1, and the weather is expected to persist.


View attachment 38448
The Gold Coast was hit with torrential rains that led to flooding and power outages. Credit: Loysh Photography & Film/Facebook


Several regions brace for an intense downpour, with predictions of 100 to 200 millimetres in just three hours and daily accumulations potentially exceeding 350 millimetres, accompanied by localised, severe rainfall.

As the region grapples with the aftermath of the deluge, reports of looting around Mount Tamborine have surfaced, increasing police presence in some communities.


Queensland Police Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy has condemned the act, stating, 'I think it's a despicable act. The police will take a very hard line, and we won't take a backward step on that sort of behaviour.'

Two reports of looting at Mount Tamborine have been reported, but no arrests have been made yet, according to Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll.

The Gold Coast and Scenic Rim have experienced 'intense rainfall, with up to 500 millimetres in some locations over the last 24 hours,' according to Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Deputy Commissioner Kevin Walsh.

‘So the ground is absolutely saturated. And what we're seeing is with quick spurts of intense rainfall, the river systems, creeks and roadways, the flooding is rising very quickly, and catching people unaware,’ he stated.

The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that the storms are 'hit-and-miss,' making them harder to predict. A severe weather warning remains in place for the southeast coast, along with flood watches for most of the region's major rivers.

Residents in Lismore, Tweed Heads, Murwillumbah, Byron Bay, Casino, and Kyogle are advised to stay informed about developing conditions as flash floods may also affect northern New South Wales.


In such a scenario, knowing how to protect your home from potential looters is crucial. Here are some tips:



As the region braces for more rainfall, residents are urged to stay safe and look out for each other.

You can watch 9 News Gold Coast’s report on the situation here:



Key Takeaways

  • Dozens of people have been rescued amid severe weather conditions, with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) on standby to assist where necessary.
  • There are reports of looting in flood-hit Gold Coast regions, leading to additional police being deployed in areas such as Mount Tamborine to maintain security.
  • Several regions, including the Gold Coast hinterland, have received severe weather warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology, with substantial rainfall causing fears of life-threatening flash flooding.
  • The Queensland Police and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) are closely monitoring and responding to the rapidly rising floodwaters exacerbated by the saturated ground from previous downpours.

For the latest updates and warnings about the floods, please check out the Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland’s social media page here, and the Queensland Fire & Emergency page here.

If you are affected by floods in Gold Coast and need assistance, call 132 500 for non-life-threatening emergency situations.

Have you experienced a similar situation in your area, members? Share your experiences and tips for extreme weather events in the comments below.
 
It has been horrendous. Christmas night a tornado went through and ripped tiles of my home in Helensvale. Trees ripped out all over the place. I have never experienced anything like this. No power for no cell coverage not internet, at least we had hot water thanks to the solar hot water system. A lot of people worst off than me. Stay safe.
That would have been a scary situation. It went through the western and northern suburbs down through the north west corridor with destruction all the way. Interestingly, the Bureau of Meteorology aren't saying it was a tornado. I wasn't in the storm path and didn't lose power, however we did lose the internet. The Telstra modem got knocked out and died from the power fluctuations, as did the network switch.
 
Can completely empathize with these poor families after just losing everything in Cyclone Jasper....we didn't have the looters like the poor souls do on the Gold Coast......wish each and everyone a safe recovery and get their lives back to normal asap.....the local community hubs are a real blessing for anyone needing assistance, please follow them up if you need a hand.
 
On the 15th of December we had a Supercell with no warning on the BOM and it came very sudden and the strong wind and rain came right on the back of the house and the water was flowing in through the panels of the garage door , while we were mopping up we lost power and continued to mop with the light of a camping light . Thunder and lightning and hail as well , within 1 hour we had 76mm of rain . Lost power for 2 days , no internet for more than a week and no phone coverage for over a week.
On the Sunday we had a look at a neighbouring estate , their houses backing on to a nature reserve with mainly gumtrees and there was not one tree who had not been damaged , all leaves had gone . Trampolines were ready for the tip , one shed was blown to pieces , apparently people were living in it while building .
We had booked in for lunch at a nice restaurant in the mountains , as we had no phone /internet reception , we went to the restaurant and a sign said that they were closed due to no electricity and no water . It was our 50th wedding anniversary and booked the place a few months ago.
When we got our reception back , the restaurant had left a voicemail , but we were unable receive it.
On December 30 we had another Supercell , very early in the day with heavy thunder and lighting , it hit the tree at the back of our house and has split open , we saw pieces in the lake. We got 102 mm of rain in 2 hours . Still need to clean up the yard as we had rain every day , but starting to get dry today . Hopefully not much more in the near future.
We were suppose to have a hot, dry Summer.
 
  • Like
Reactions: magpie1 and marrels

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else
  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×