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Alleged looter charged in flood-ravaged Charleville

Story Added : 03rd March 2010

Queensland police have charged one person with looting in the wake of the Charleville floods in the state's south-west.

Charleville police say extra officers have been rostered on to ensure there is no looting from flood-affected businesses and homes.

The worst of the flood is now over in Charleville.

The majority of the 500 residents who were forced to leave their homes yesterday are returning to asses the damage and start the clean up.

About 50 residents spent the night in an evacuation centre in Charleville, while the majority stayed with friends on high ground.

Charleville's hospital was evacuated yesterday, with about 30 patients taken to Brisbane hospitals and aged care facilities.

The hospital was not flooded but was closed as a precaution.

Looting charge

Sergeant Matthew Russell says one person has been charged with stealing and they are trying to prevent similar incidents today.

"That was foremost in the officer-in-charge's mind - that we provide a strong police presence overnight," he said.

"Some people have taken the opportunity overnight to - not loot as such - but possibly move into places where they shouldn't have and there's only been one instance that I've heard of ... that's not a bad result."

Emergency Management Queensland spokesman Chris Artiemiew says the levee will protect the town from another rush of water moving down the Warrego river today.

"Everyone out here has been praying for rain for a long time and now that it's come they're praying for it to stop - that sort of sums it up I think," he said.

The impact of the flood on outlying properties will be assessed at a meeting in Charleville later today.

Bligh visit

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh and Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts will travel to Charleville today to inspect the flood damage.

Ms Bligh says Australian Defence Force personnel and resources are available if needed.

"Both Charleville and Roma have been declared disaster areas - meaning that emergency evacuation powers have been triggered and individuals and families will be eligible for some disaster relief funding," she said.

"We'll be out in Charleville today talking to the mayor, emergency services personnel and making sure they've got everything they need to look after these people.

"This is a serious disaster that's being experienced in Charleville some 300 people have been evacuated - the nursing home has been evacuated, critically ill patients have been evacuated out of the hospital.

"I have spoken personally to the Prime Minister - the Defence Force personnel and resources are available should Charleville be in need of that."

Story Added by ABC.
Date Added : 03rd March 2010

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