Murchison River (Western Australia) - Flooding

Flooding

Flooding occurred in 1866 resulting in the Geraldine Mine being drowned, more flooding occurred in 1882.

The river was once again flooded in 1900 following heavy rains with the river estimated to be runiing 8 miles (13 km) wide, road to Cue and Peak Hill were submurged under 10 feet (3 m) of water. Roads were cut for up to a fortnight resulting in food shortages in many isolated towns. Ernest Lee Steere of Belele Station reported that over 5in. of rain fell in less than a fortnight. Further downstream the river was reported to be running 15 miles (24 km) wide and at depths of up to 70 feet (21 m), despite the damage pastoralists were jubilant at how quickly the grasses were growing.

Heavy flooding occurred along parts of the river in March 1926 following heavy rains. 15 to 20 men were left stranded at the Three Sister galena mine and had to be rescued by dingey.

Flooding again occurred in 1939 and once more following another significant rain event in February 1945 resulted in flooding a the old Galena Bridge being swept away, effectively stranding the citizens of Carnarvon. A ferry servce was established using a fishing boat. Bananas were the main item that urgently needed to be sent across for transport to market.