Rocky preparing for La Nina season

Rockhampton in flood in 2008.

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First Rockhampton flood pictures

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ROCKHAMPTON authorities are preparing for a big wet season this year after the Bureau of Meteorology warned it was highly likely 2010 would be a La Nina year.

Rockhampton weather forecaster Mike Marrinan said a La Nina typically brought a bigger wet season and more chance of cyclones forming.

Mr Marrinan said he believed 2008 was the last year we had a La Nina.

That was a year when the Fitzroy River flooded and heavy rainfall across the region caused millions of dollars of damage across Central Queensland.

“It all depends on the strength of the La Nina,” Mr Marrinan said.

Last week the weather bureau released a statement saying a La Nina looked probable.

“Tropical Pacific Ocean temperatures continued to cool over the past fortnight, and are now approaching levels typical of a La Nina,” the bureau said on its website.

“Similarly, other ENSO indicators are also at or exceeding La Nina thresholds..., it is now highly likely that the Pacific is in the early stages of a La Nina event, and that 2010 will be considered a La Nina year.”

Rockhampton Regional Council has received updates from the weather bureau about the situation.

“Existing Local Disaster Management Plans and arrangements would be implemented where necessary, in response to any type of emergency or disaster in accordance with the Queensland Disaster Management System,” a statement by council said.

“Rockhampton Regional Council will continue to review and assess existing plans to ensure that they are current and relevant.

“Council encourages all residents to commence their own appropriate preparations and plans for any type of event, particularly with the cyclone and storm season officially commencing in November.”

Residents are urged to visit council’s website, which provides detailed information on preparation for such events at www.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au.

Meanwhile, the Insurance Council of Australia has urged people to make sure they have appropriate coverage.

People are encouraged to check their insurance policies are up to date, that they have appropriate levels of coverage and they understand their policies.

La Nina

La Nina periods are usually, but not always, associated with above normal rainfall during the second half of the year across large parts of Australia, most notably eastern and northern regions. Night-time temperatures are typically warmer than average and Tropical Cyclone risk for northern Australia increases during the cyclone season (November-April).

Financial storm

The data below is derived from the submissions of general insurance companies following large events incurring cost to the community and insurers. It is provided by the Insurance Council of Australia.

West Qld – Flooding - March, 2010 - $46.7m

Mackay – Flood, storm - February, 2008 - $410m

Central Queensland (including Emerald/Rockhampton) – Flood, storm - January, 2008 - $70m

Rockhampton to Cairns – December 1990 - Flood, storm - $32m (equivalent cost to recover in 2007 would be $147m).