Central Queensland University's Dr Barbara Webster will launch her first book, Marooned, today.

The book describes the most severe Rockhampton flood in white history. The illustrated history details five days of torrential rainfall and how raging waters of the mighty Fitzroy River rose and isolated the city for almost four weeks. Devastation to lives and property was widespread.

It is a timely reminder of the Fitzroy River’s awesome flood capacity. Scientists and community groups associated with the Cooperative Research Centre for Coastal Zone, Estuary and Waterway Management will release Marooned: Rockhampton’s Great Flood of 1918 on Thursday 13 March.

The Mayor of Rockhampton Councillor Margaret Strelow will officially launch the book.

“Marooned describes how the citizens of Rockhampton, in a very different era, responded in a time of crisis,” said author Barbara Webster. Eight people drowned. Hordes of sightseers, newspaper reporters, photographers and cinematographers flocked to capture the sights and tragedy.

Marooned will be available for sale at $29.95 at most newsstands, bookshops, CQU Library Special Collection, Rockhampton and District Historical Society and by mail order to the Coastal CRC office.

You may also contact Barbara at b.webster@cqu.edu.au