Report Unveils Alert System Failures During February-March Floods

A report into the February-March floods in Brisbane has revealed significant shortcomings in the emergency alert system, which left many residents unaware of impending danger.

Delayed SMS Alerts
Some Brisbane residents received no warning before their homes were inundated, as the State Disaster Coordination Centre (SDCC) struggled with an overwhelmed alert system.

Tragic Consequences
The flooding claimed 13 lives and caused extensive damage to more than 9,000 homes and businesses, highlighting the devastating impact of the system’s failure.

Critical Timeline Breakdown
Brisbane’s Local Disaster Management Committee requested emergency SMS alerts on Sunday, 27 February, at 7:07 PM. However, the notifications were delayed by more than 12 hours, rendering them ineffective for many residents.

Inspector-General’s Findings
The report by Inspector-General of Emergency Management Alistair Dawson underscored the urgent need for improvements to prevent future communication breakdowns during disasters.

Call for System Reforms
The findings demand a review of disaster management protocols to ensure timely and effective warnings for communities at risk.