Aussies brave flood waters for a drink at the pub
A group of flood-stricken Queenslanders are braving the aftermath of the devastating Cyclone Jasper, and risking it all to head out to their local pub.
On the banks of the Tully River, 155km south of Cairns, locals flocked to the Hotel Euramo to wait out the storm, with everyone arriving by boat.
Instead of the carpark being full of cars, 18 tinnies brought thirsty locals to their watering hole, in what has become a tradition for when the area is impacted by floods.
Hotel owner Ollie Muzic told ABC News Breakfast on Monday that it was a local tradition for patrons to turn up at the by either boat or tractor when the town was flooded.
"We had no tractors turn up yesterday, but the water level was higher than it ever was before," she said.
"Everyone was very high-spirited. We are lucky our water disperses very quickly."
Hotel manager Tish Ottone said patrons made the best of the bad situation, and did what they could do enjoy their day at the pub.
"It was really good, the atmosphere was amazing," she said.
"It was definitely on my bucket list (to arrive by boat) and it is ticked off now so it was surreal, it was pretty cool."
Six people stayed at the pu8b overnight on Sunday and Ms Muzic said she and staff would be on the premises until waters recede, providing what they could to locals who need help.
"The majority of people who are here say they got everything sorted yesterday morning before coming here, everything high and dry and there’s pretty well nothing much you can do except sit around until the water drops down," she said.
Although the atmosphere at the pub was festive, Ms Muzic said she was mindful of those in more catastrophic conditions in Queensland, as Cyclone Jasper continues to wreak havoc.
"We do understand there are a lot of places in north Queensland absolutely devastated by these floods," she said.
"Our hearts go to everybody in Cairns and the surrounding areas who have lost their homes and roads."
"Hopefully our government gets in to fix everything up as quick as possible, it’s the week of Christmas."
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