Flooding in Queensland’s Central Highlands sees town of Sapphire evacuated

People living in the small central Queensland township of Sapphire have been told to evacuate after a torrential downpour early this morning.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued an emergency alert before 5:00am warning that Retreat Creek was rising rapidly and major flooding was expected.

The river skirts the southern end of Sapphire, which has a population of about 500.

“Properties in low-lying areas are likely to be impacted,” the statement said.

“Council advises residents to warn neighbours, secure belongings and move to higher ground now.”

Severe storms hit the area early this morning and the local council estimated 175 millimetres fell in the Retreat Creek catchment.

Emergency Services said a person was rescued from the top of their car…