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Operation Centaur
On the 25 Dec 23, a Super-cell storm with cyclonic winds and heavy rain crossed the Southeast Queensland Region, in vicinity of the Gold Coast LGA.
In response to the destructive storm, there were hundreds of calls to Triple Zero (000) from residents impacted with significant assistance provided by the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES) and State Emergency Service (SES)
The storm caused significant damage in the region with a substantial amount of fallen trees and power lines, houses destroyed, roofs torn off buildings, roads blocked and minor flooding.
On 29 December 2023, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) requested DRA assistance to support the recovery of the affected communities.
Our volunteers arrived in the area on January 2, and will work within the impacted Logan City, Scenic Rim and City of Gold Coast Local Government Areas.
If you require assistance, please contact your local council.
In response to
2023 extreme weather
Location
Gold Coast, Queensland
View map
Status
Complete
Dates
2 Jan 2024 - 1 Mar 2024
South East Queensland Flood Recovery Operation
Area of Operations
Logan City, Scenic Rim and City of Gold Coast Local Government Areas.
Recovery Taskings for Operation Centaur
As part of Operation Centaur, Disaster Relief Australia is providing the following capabilities:
- Damage and impact assessments
- Chainsaw work and tree removal
- Debris management and removal
- Route clearance.
The story behind the name
Op Centaur is named in memory of the 268 lives lost when Australian Hospital Ship (AHS) Centaur was sunk by a Japanese submarine off the coast of South Queensland in 1943.
The vessel was built in Scotland, launched in 1924 and could carry a mixed cargo of passengers and freight.
In January 1943, a two-month conversion began to turn Centaur into a hospital ship with the aim of ferrying patients between Port Moresby and Townsville.
Around 4am on May 14, 1943 while en route from Sydney to Cairns Centaur’s port side was struck by a torpedo, hitting the oil fuel tank which ignited in a massive explosion and a fire broke out across the ship.
Those who survived the explosion or the fire were trapped as the ship went down bow first and broke in two.
From the 332 on board, only 64 survived.
*Image via The Australian War Memorial
Get involved
Planning for upcoming operational deployments is now underway. If you are keen to participate or find out more, express your interest today.