Man slammed for 'stupid' stunt in 'crocodile infested' floodwaters
Residents are being urged to adhere to warnings as the flood rip through parts of the state.
A man's questionable stunt in "crocodile infested" floodwaters has been captured on camera as Far North Queensland continues to grapple with the aftermath of Cyclone Jasper.
Parts of the state, including Cairns and Port Douglas, have succumbed to heavy rainfall and flash flooding since the cyclone hit land last Wednesday, resulting in many roads and bridges now being completely underwater.
With overflowing creeks and rivers, authorities have warned of crocodiles lurking in the water in search of calmer water. But despite advice from the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services to stay dry and out of the water, one man was captured trying to cross the mostly flooded Peets Bridge in Little Mulgrave, Cairns early on Monday morning.
The footage was captured on a council camera early on Monday morning and shows the man wearing hi-vis in knee-high murky water as he made his way across the flooded bridge in Goldsborough Valley. At the time, there was a moderate flood warning in place for the Mulgrave River which flows beneath it.
Another image shows a car untouched by the water parked on Gillies Range Road, which turns onto the bridge. It appears as though the man jumped out of the passenger side before making his way across the bridge towards the suburb of Goldsborough on the other side. The man's identity and reason for walking across the flooded bridge are unknown.
'Stupid' act called out on social media
The move was called out on social media after the images were shared on Monday morning. One resident accused the man of not just putting his own life at risk, but the lives of rescuers as well.
"Good thing this clown is wearing hi-vis so the Swift Water Rescue Team will be able to find him when he gets washed away," the Cairns local blasted on Facebook. "Can't believe people are still so stupid enough to walk through crocodile-infested flood water and put others at risk."
Others were quick to condemn the act, calling it "stupid" and saying people should heed warnings issued by authorities.
"Next person to become crocodile food," one person commented. "This is why the police should be able to charge them with reckless endangerment. The swift water response team put their lives on the line every time they're called out. I guess you can't cure stupidity," said another.
Others pointed out the reality for Goldsborough residents who have been "isolated" in their area since Wednesday. Peets Bridge is the only access they have to the main road, and with it being fully submerged underwater, they had no way of leaving their homes. Thankfully, the water had cleared by Monday afternoon.
Residents warned against walking through floodwaters
Department of Environment and Science Northern Wildlife Operations Director Lindsay Delzoppo on Monday said it was never safe to swim or wade in floodwaters.
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"During flooding crocodiles may turn up in places they haven't been seen before as they move about in search of calmer waters," Delzoppo said. "We expect crocodiles in the cyclone-affected area to be on the move as they search for a quieter place to wait until the floodwaters to recede."
Crocodile spotted floating in floodwaters
So far there have been no reported croc sightings in the area of Goldsborough, Queensland's Department of Environment and Science (DES) confirmed to Yahoo News on Monday but said there had been one in the town of Ingham, north of Townsville.
Residents woke on Monday morning to find a saltwater croc swimming in a park. The 2.5-metre reptile was filmed lurking in a body of water in Ingham after the nearby Palm Creek burst sending water gushing through the town.
Footage posted online by a Queensland man later in the day shows a large croc swimming in the flooded Herbert River, south-west of Mission Beach, just metres from a home. In the clip, the crocodile swims in the strong current "effortlessly", with a family's backyard pool seen in the foreground.
All crocodile sightings should be reported promptly to the DES by using the QWildlife app, reporting via the department’s website, or by calling 1300 130 372.
"Wildlife officers investigate all crocodile sighting reports the department receives," Delzoppo said. "Remember, you are responsible for your own safety in croc country, and it’s important to make good choices around waterbodies, including floodwaters."
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