RSOE EDIS: Australia - Biological Hazard - 2010.01.25

RSOE Emergency and Disaster Information Service Budapest, Hungary RSOE EDIS ALERTMAIL

2010-01-25 04:50:43 - Biological Hazard - Australia EDIS CODE: BH-20100125-24686-AUS Date & Time: 2010-01-25 04:50:43 [UTC] Area: Australia, State of Queensland, Gold Coast beaches, Number of Injured person(s): 700 Damage level: Moderate (Level 2) Not confirmed information! Description: Swimmers have been warned to beware of swarms of bluebottle jellyfish on Queensland's most popular beaches, with 700 people suffering painful stings in just two days. Surf Lifesaving Queensland says Gold Coast beaches have been the worst affected, with 200 people stung on Sunday and 500 on Saturday. Some Gold Coast beaches were closed over the weekend, and swimmers were also stung on the Sunshine Coast. Eight people were treated by paramedics on the weekend, including a 10-year-old boy who was stung across the chest on the Sunshine Coast. The bluebottle threat is expected to remain high for the rest of the week. The Bureau of Meteorology says onshore winds, coming from the north, could remain until Thursday, pushing bluebottles into swimming areas. Surf Lifesaving Queensland spokesman Byron Mills said that while no beaches were closed, north-facing beaches such as Noosa and Mooloolaba were trouble spots. "If you are allergic to bees or suffer from asthma, or you are very young - under age of five - stay out of water totally," Mr Mills said. "Otherwise, follow directions from lifesavers and lifeguards." He said the bluebottles were smaller in size than last year but their sting was more intense. The stings could be treated with a warm shower or an ice pack. The name of Hazard: Bluebottle jellyfish invasions Species: Animal Posted:2010-01-25 04:50:43 [UTC] Please DO NOT reply to this message: replies may be treated as errors and result in your subscription being deleted. If you have trouble or other queries, send email to havaria@rsoe.hu RSOE EDIS is operated by the National Association of Radio-Distress Signalling and Infocommunications (RSOE), Budapest, Hungary. Because of the complexity of this system and its dependence on other systems, we cannot be responsible for delays or failures in forwarding or transmission. You're receiving this AlertMail because you subscribed for the service. To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. Contact: havaria@rsoe.hu