Floodwaters continue to rise across Australia’s northeast as torrential rains batter North Queensland for a third consecutive day, forcing evacuations and claiming at least one life.

Record Rainfall Sparks Widespread Flooding

A deluge of nearly a summer’s worth of rain has inundated large swaths of North Queensland, submerging towns and forcing thousands to flee their homes. The worst-affected areas stretch along a 735-kilometer (456-mile) coastal corridor from Cairns to Mackay, with Townsville, Ingham, and Cardwell among the hardest hit.

Authorities have issued major flood warnings for six rivers running above flood levels, while the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) warned on Monday that more intense rainfall was expected throughout the day. Some areas have already recorded more than a meter of rainfall in just one week, overwhelming river systems and causing devastating flash floods.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli described the destruction as heartbreaking, noting that homes, businesses, and farms had been badly damaged.
“This is a flood the likes of which is only seen a handful of times,” he said, praising local communities for their resilience.

One Fatality Confirmed as Rescues Continue

The floods have already claimed one life, after a woman in her 60s drowned on Sunday when a rescue boat capsized near Ingham. According to State Disaster Coordinator Shane Chelepy, five others on board were successfully rescued.

Despite ongoing rescues, Chelepy confirmed on Monday that there were no additional fatalities or missing persons reported. Emergency responders, however, remain on high alert as water levels continue to rise.

Hundreds Seek Shelter as Evacuations Expand

In Townsville, six low-lying suburbs have been designated as “black zones”, requiring immediate evacuation. More than 400 people have taken refuge in six emergency shelters, while hundreds more are expected to flee as conditions worsen.

Authorities also issued a dire warning for Bluewater, a coastal town north of Townsville, urging residents to leave immediately.
“Water is rising fast, and there will be dangerous and life-threatening flooding,” the Townsville Local Disaster Management Group stated.

This is the third time in six years that Townsville has suffered record-breaking floods, raising concerns about the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.

Crocodile Warning Issued Amid Rising Waters

Queensland’s Department of Environment, Science, and Innovation has issued a crocodile alert, warning that the reptiles may have been displaced by the flooding.
“Expect crocodiles in all North and Far North Queensland waterways, even if there is no warning sign,” the department said.

Infrastructure Collapses as Relief Efforts Face Challenges

Emergency response efforts have been hampered by infrastructure damage, including the collapse of a bridge on the Bruce Highway, Queensland’s main north-south road. The disruption has left entire communities isolated.

Premier Crisafulli acknowledged the urgent need for long-term infrastructure improvements, stating,
“The north and all of regional Queensland are at the mercy of one road. There is an opportunity through disaster to build back better.”

Unprecedented Rainfall and Climate Impact

Meteorologists describe the flooding as one of the most extreme rainfall events on record. Some of the highest rainfall totals include:

• Rollingstone: 1,280 mm (50.3 inches) in one week
• Townsville region: Over 600 mm (23 inches) in several locations
• Cardwell: 490 mm (19.3 inches) in just 24 hours
• Paluma Dam: Over 1.2 meters (48 inches) of rain since Friday

The BOM has attributed the deluge to two low-pressure tropical systems, warning that extreme rainfall events are becoming more frequent due to climate change.

While forecasters expect rainfall to ease in the coming days, floodwaters will take time to recede, keeping thousands of residents on high alert.