PEOPLE are urged to listen to authorities about seeking higher ground as the city’s top cop declares up to 20,000 homes could be inundated by floodwaters if torrential rain continues to fall in coming days as forecast.

Townsville Police District acting Chief Superintendent Steve Munro said 300 homes had been directly impacted by flooding as of 4pm Saturday.

Chief Supt Munro said that number could reach 500 by Sunday morning with heavy downpours expected and urged people at risk to make a prompt decision on whether to stay or go.

“So 500 homes (of the 80,000 homes in Townsville),” Chief Supt Munro said.

“If it continues tomorrow, and the next, we could be talking up towards the 10,000, towards the 20,000.

“If we keep going the way we are going we are going to move towards 10,000-20,000 homes so people need to start thinking.

“I’m really imploring to the people in those vulnerable areas, start thinking now about what you are going to do.”

PHOTOS: Monster monsoon continues to lash Townsville media_camera Residents of Rosslea being evacuated as Townsville continues to flood from heavy monsoonal rain. Picture: Alix Sweeney 1 of 82 media_camera Roads in Hermit Park under water as Townsville continues to flood from heavy monsoonal rain. A lady is evacuated by QFES. Picture: Alix Sweeney 2 of 82 media_camera Roads in Hermit Park under water as Townsville continues to flood from heavy monsoonal rain. Locals take the time to enjoy the moment at the local playground Picture: Alix Sweeney 3 of 82 media_camera QFES Headquaters set up on Queens Road, Hermit Park. Picture: Alix Sweeney 4 of 82 nav_small_close Want to see more?( 78 more photos in collection )Continue to full gallery nav_small_left nav_small_right

Latest warnings

Residents in suburbs across Townsville are warned that they may experience flash flooding from heavy rainfall over a short period causing surrounding river and creek levels to rise.

This includes West End, Rowes Bay, Garbutt, Hyde Park, Aitkenvale, Currajong, Rosslea, Pimlico, Mysterton, Mundingburra and surrounding areas.

These suburbs are in addition to the suburbs already been given flood warnings: Oonoonba, Idalia, Rosslea, Hermit Park, Railway Estate, South Townsville, Cluden, Townsville City and some areas in Hyde Park.

Residents in the area should move to higher ground if they are concerned about flooding in their home.

The Heatley Public Shelter remains operational as an evacuation centre and is currently staffed. The centre is at 321 Fulham Road, Heatley.

Ignatius Park College has also been established as an evacuation centre. The centre is located at 368 Ross River Road, Cranbrook.

Residents are asked to make alternative arrangements for all pets and to keep belongings to a small bag.

If you require evacuation assistance, contact SES on 132 500.

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Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the weather event was unprecedented.

“We’ve never seen a monsoonal system like this,” she said.

“At the moment we are working as hard as we can to make sure we minimise the impact on our local community.

“What we are trying to do is minimise the risk to life.”

She urged people to make good decisions on whether to leave their homes or not, based on reliable information from the authorities.

“We are trying to give people early warning (to seek higher ground).

“It will be slow moving water in most cases… people will see a steady rise.

“Those people in high set homes are probably in a better position that those in low set.”

Health warning

Townsville HHS director of public health Dr Steven Donohue said the rule of three for keeping safe during the monsoon flooding was kids, chronic disease and cars.

“My strong message to the community is that we have a whole generation of children who have never seen rain or flooding like this and don’t understand the hazards,” he said.

“During floods we see tragedies where children are sucked into drains or culverts, even in shallow water.

“If your kids must play in the puddles, keep them in your own yard with gumboots on to protect their feet.

“Flood water is heavily contaminated with dirt and bacteria.”

Dr Donohue also issued a warning to people with chronic diseases like diabetes or heart failure, and the elderly.

“Any scratch or wound can easily turn into a serious infection.

“If you do get a cut, clean the wound and apply antiseptic and a waterproof bandage.”

Dr Donohue urged residents to leave the clean-up to young, fit people who were wearing boots and gloves.

He also urged residents to reconsider using their cars unless it was essential.

“If it’s flooded, forget it; this is a fundamental public health and safety message.”