What started as a heavy downpour turned into a life-threatening emergency in Chevallum, where floodwaters swallowed roads and left motorists clinging to their vehicles.
Rising Waters Trap Motorists in Chevallum as Emergency Rescues Unfold
Chevallum on the Sunshine Coast was a picture of rescue and urgency with flash flooding immobilizing drivers and flooding roads. Emergency services were called to a number of locations after heavy rain caused sudden water rises, trapping people in vehicles and cutting major roads off.
The wild weather, having intensified overnight on March 10, dumped more than 350mm of rain on parts of the Sunshine Coast, causing swift-water rescues. Two men were part of the group to be rescued after they had been stranded on Chevallum Road in Palmwoods, as floodwaters swept through unexpectedly.
Residents Left Isolated as Roads Go Under
Authorities directed residents to stay indoors since several roads connecting and leading to Chevallum were rendered impassable. Disaster response officials in the area attested that hundreds of roads across the Sunshine Coast region were closed, further restricting movement.
Sunshine Coast Council had earlier sent alerts to ask people to prepare for severe weather, but the severity of the deluge was that several residents were left unprepared. Chevallum, known for its rural homes and green landscapes, saw creeks running into each other, making some properties difficult to reach.
Calls for Caution as Recovery Begins
Although the storm’s worst is over, officials are urging individuals to remain cautious. The roads are still unstable in some areas, and emergency responders are still out attempting to assess damage. The Queensland Disaster Management unit cautioned against non-essential travel and warned of possible secondary flooding due to waterlogged ground conditions.
Power outages have also struck hundreds of homes in the region, with residents without electricity while crews work to restore power. Local businesses in Chevallum and surrounding suburbs are assessing water damage, with clean-up to continue for days.
Authorities remind the public to avoid floodwaters, which may contain debris and contaminants, and to stay updated through official emergency channels. Residents are encouraged to report any dangerous conditions, as the region braces for potential after-effects of the extreme weather event.
Published 11-March-2025