No casualties amongst Indians in flood-affected Queensland.

While Indian nationals are amongst those affected by the floods in Queensland, there are no reports to date of casualties amongst Indian nationals, The High Commission of India has said.

The High Commission said it is monitoring the situation relating to the welfare of the Indian community in Queensland and is in touch with the Australian authorities concerned and India’s Honorary Consul in Brisbane, Prof. Sarva Daman Singh to get information about recent developments.

Australian authorities are extending all possible assistance to those affected by the floods, including search and rescue operations, evacuating those who need to be moved to higher ground, and setting up flood shelters for those who have been moved.

The High Commission has advised relatives of Indian nationals in Queensland, including parents of Indian students studying there, who wish to have specific information to call the 24 hour information line set up by the Queensland state Government at 1300-993-191.  If calling from outside Australia dial: +61 7 3055 6220.

They may also call the Red Cross at 1800-727-077 or access their website at www.redcross.org.au including access to Emergency Management Australia’s National Registration and Enquiry System at https://emergency.redcross.org.au/.

Other key contacts for the public are :

• For the latest flood news and updates visit the Queensland Government’s official Queensland floods webpage: http://www.qld.gov.au/floods or visit the Bureau of Meteorology website to check forecasts: http://www.bom.gov.au
   
• Queensland Emergency Service Hotline :

                                              132 500 and +61 7 34050970

• General enquiries on the flooding: 137 468
  • Tourism information on the floods is available from Tourism Queensland at www.tq.com.au.

• Affected visa holders or businesses can contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship on 131 881.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

• International Students can contact the International Student’s Hotline on 1300 363 079 and +61 2 62405069 for general information.

• Students due to travel to Australia for study in a flood affected area should:
  • visit the Bureau of Meteorology website (http://www.bom.gov.au) to check if they are travelling to a flood affected area
  • check with their airline carrier to ensure their flight is running as scheduled, as some regional airports have closed 
  • keep in contact with their education provider and
  • follow advice from their local emergency services and police, keep clear of flood waters and comply with evacuation orders.