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Sapphire residents air concerns after major flood

Premium Content Subscriber only A handful of Gemfields residents have shared their stories and experiences from the recent major flood, which left many families stranded. On March 17, fast-moving flood waters swept across the Gemfields following the rapid rise of Retreat Creek in the early hours of the morning. More than 200mm of rain fell in the catchment surrounding the tourist area of Sapphire Gemfields and Retreat Creek, between the Capricorn Highway and the town of Sapphire, peaked at 9.8 metres. Following the flood event, many community members raised concerns that while the warning siren at Rubyvale went off, the one located at Sapphire failed to, which Central Highlands Regional Council Mayor Kerry Hayes told

Gem hunters flock to tiny Queensland town after severe flood brings sapphires to the surface

Why the warning siren didn't sound during Sapphire flood

Why the warning siren didn't sound during Sapphire flood

WATCH: Residents 'stranded' at mining claim amid major flood

The couple’s property backs on to Retreat Creek, which they watched rise rapidly throughout the morning. “We’re stranded and we can’t go anywhere except up Graves Hill,” she said. “It’s a little scary. We could be in trouble but we’re prepared to evacuate.” Mrs Willcott said she woke at midnight to pouring rain, thunder and lightning. The rain gauge was already full at 130mm when she checked it at 3am on Wednesday, March 17. Retreat Creek floods mining claim at the Gemfields: Sandy Willcott captured the footage from her mining claim at Graves Hill, showing the rapidly rising Retreat Creek after receiving more than 130mm in the early hours of March 17.