Feb 13, 2020

Nursing home evacuated during the night after floods hit Sunshine Coast

 

Forty residents of an aged care facility in South East Queensland were evacuated overnight after torrential rain and flash flooding hit the region.

Coolum received more than 200mm of rain in a two-hour period yesterday, and the area was consequently affected by flash flooding and power outages. Coolum’s average monthly rainfall is 190mm.

Decision to evacuate came just before midnight

Two wings at Estia Mount Coolum aged care facility flooded during the night, and the difficult decision to evacuate was made just before midnight.

Twenty-four residents were relocated to Estia’s recently opened aged care facility in Maroochydore, while other residents were relocated to other wings within the home that were not affected by the floodwaters.

A small number of residents went to stay with loved ones. 

A statement from the company said residents are doing well today and are being looked after by familiar staff who followed them from Mount Coolum to the Maroochydore facility. 

“We are in close contact with the families of those residents who were relocated,” the statement said.

While the move was a coordinated effort with the Mount Coolum team, Estia also thanked local Ambulance, Police and Fire Services for their help with the evacuation.

Estia is continuing to monitor local conditions.

Damage extended across the region

The heavy rain and flooding caused extensive damage across the Sunshine Coast region. 

Several swift-water rescues were performed by emergency services, and an apartment block had to evacuated when its basement flooded.

About 2,000 Energex customers were affected by power outages. 

A woman was reported missing after last being seen walking near Gorge Falls in Tallebudgera Valley, and today police found a body that is believed to be that of a 75-year-old kayaker who disappeared in the floodwater.

More rain is forecast for the region this week, with the risk of more heavy falls and flooding.

Image: Jaykayl, iStock.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Showering every day can increase residents’ risk of skin tears

  As people age, their skin becomes more fragile and vulnerable to damage, so people living in residential aged care are particularly at risk of suffering skin tears. A Western Australian wounds survey found that 16 per cent of aged care residents experienced skin tears, and that skin tears were the most common type of... Read More

8 activities for dementia residents that work

Organising activities for people living with dementia is a vital part of care, but it can be challenging to find activities that are both engaging and therapeutic. Try this list of suggestions and tell us – what activities do your dementia residents enjoy? Read More

The nine-year-old who sings and plays piano for local nursing home residents

When we come across someone who acts with rare kindness and generosity of spirit, we often feel inspired by their goodness. But when that person is only nine years old, we can also be encouraged that the future is in safe hands. When Summer Wootten has spare time, she doesn’t turn to computer games or... Read More
Advertisement