Drivers in Qld flood ignoring warnings

Motorists in flood-bound north Queensland continue to ignore warnings not to risk
their lives crossing swollen rivers and creeks.
Emergency services have been called out for two rescue operations in the same creek
within 24 hours.
On Saturday night, a Canberra father and his two daughters were saved from a tiny
dry patch in the middle of a raging creek.
The RACQ rescue helicopter was called out at 8pm following a report that three
people were stranded attempting to drive through a flooded crossing at Cape River,
south of Charters Towers.
A swift water rescue team from Townsville was flown in and saved the family in a
marathon operation.
Helicopter rescue crewman Dan Hoare says the man had managed to get his daughters to
a small patch of land on the river crossing.
It was the second time in 24 hours people had been trapped while trying to cross the
same flooded creek.
In an almost identical situation, two men and a woman were saved from the roof of
their car in nearly the same spot on Friday night.
Emergency services have renewed warnings not to drive, walk or play in floodwaters.
Meantime, a remote north Queensland town should have fresh water again within a
couple of days as the army starts installing a portable purification plant.
The water pipe between Karumba and Normanton has burst but there's no hope of
repairing it until the floods subside.
It's two metres under water and large crocodiles have been seen in the area.
Premier Anna Bligh says the people of Karumba are surrounded by water, but there's
very little to drink.
"The defence force are on ground there as we speak ... bringing in a purification
plant to provide drinking water," said Ms Bligh.
"Around 6,000 litres of bottled water have already been provided to the town and we
anticipate the purification plant can be operational within the next two to three
days.
"This is a very tough time for this community - they are likely to be inundated for
another two to three weeks, she said.