The village of Paluma remains isolated with the Range Road still closed following the unprecedented rainfall . Locals report today that there are numerous landslides and trees blocking the Range Road and it appears it may be some time before the road will open. Paluma continues to receive astounding rainfall totals.
Don Battersby has been recording rainfall at his place on Hussey Road and has logged the following readings:-
Rainfall overnight (4-5 February 2019) was 344 mm.
Rainfall between 1 to 5 February 2019 is 1294 mm.
Rainfall total for January 2019 is 1206 mm.
Jennie Robinson from the Rainforest Inn reports that there are currently about 23 people in the village and surrounds. Everyone seems to be doing well. The community spirit is certainly alive and well. Yesterday (4 February) was Neil Appleton’s birthday and everyone gathered together at ‘Cloud Cottage’ to celebrate with afternoon tea. Happy Birthday Neil!
Photo courtesy of Jennie Robinson
Good to hear that spirits are high in Paluma. As of 5 Feb there is no exit via either the road to Mt Fox or the Laroona-Ewan Road so the Blackfriars and Hidden Valley folk are also waiting it out!
Plenty of frogs, turkeys, pademelons and mould colonies out this way!
To my knowledge the Mt Fox road is passable as long as Running river is passable, there is a way out. Two parties went through on the 5th Feb.
Stay safe everyone.