Brisbane floods: Not as bad as 2011 or 2022, but city still reeling

Brisbane residents will avoid the same devastation they endured in the historic 2011 and 2022 floods, but have not escaped unscathed.

Brisbane residents will avoid the same devastation they endured in the historic 2011 and 2022 floods, as the remnants of ex-tropical cyclone Alfred finally moves away from the city after days of destructive weather.

But the city was not spared from mass flash-flooding and heavy rain inundating cars and homes on Sunday night, forcing residents to flee their properties after more than 300mm of rain fell in just 24 hours in some parts of Brisbane.

It comes as disaster payments become available for residents, workers and sole traders impacted by the ferocious system, and those who lost income, with mass citywide business closures.

Premier David Crisafulli said it was too early to determine the damage bill across South East Queensland, but said the emotional impact would be severe.

“This event will be a significant strain but it is the emotional toll that is always the biggest in a disaster,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“There’s no doubt there will be an impact emotionally, physically, financially … I’m determined to make sure not a single Queenslander is left behind.

“This will be a significant damage bill.”

Huge downpours turned streets into creeks across Brisbane, as flash-flooding inundated backyards and homes in flood-prone areas, many in the same spots hit hard in previous floods.

But weather bureau senior meteorologist Livio Regano said the Brisbane River was not predicted to hit the same levels as in previous devastating floods such as in 2022.

“That is not the case,” Mr Regano said.

“At the moment the river is rising and falling mainly with the tide. So at the moment in Brisbane City there’s minor flooding on the high tide only.

“But it should stay below minor flood levels … it’s not a huge concern.”

The minor flood level for the Brisbane River City Gauge is 1.7m. In 2022, the levels peaked at 3.85m.

Seqwater CEO Emma Thomas also said Enoggera Dam – which was currently spilling – was not expected to reach 2022 flooding levels, even with forecast rainfall of up to 150mm.

All but three of the 23 ungated dams were spilling in the southeast.

“Enoggera is certainly very full, but we have seen it slowly declining in just the recent hours. That could change again if we get very heavy rainfall continuing in that catchment. So we’re watching that very closely,” Ms Thomas said.

“It’s receding, but if we get more continued heavy rain in that area, then we may see it kick up again. At the moment, with what has been forecast, we don’t see it reaching those (2022 flood) levels.”

Alex Sturdee, Daniela Vargas and their dog Papita were evacuated from their unit in Praed St in Brisbane’s Red Hill after water from Enoggera Creek started rising about half way up their dwelling on Sunday night.

Daniela Vargas and Alex Sturdee with their dog Papita. Picture: John Gass

“We had the floodwaters come up from the creek and it just kind of kept getting higher,” Mr Sturdee said.

“We were pretty worried, we started stacking everything up as high as we could.”

Windsor residents also were forced to evacuate and take refuge on top floors as water rose to dangerous levels overnight.

Resident Tali Scott said the ordeal was terrifying.

“We had a lot of anxiety last night. We didn’t get much sleep just watching the waters rise,” she said.

“We were just thinking about how to get out. We have got a kayak since the last floods, and so I pumped that up. We were just thinking about what’s in the house, and moving everything up as high as we could.”

Since ex-tropical cyclone Alfred started impacting the coast on Friday, more than 8000 insurance claims have been lodged, of which more than 7000 were for damaged houses, according to the Insurance Council of Australia.

The storm cut power to more than 450,000 properties, ripped roofs from homes and caused severe damage to properties across the southeast.

Mr Crisafulli said he was prepared to call out insurers who tried to ramp up premiums in the wake of the flooding and cyclone event.

“I’m concerned about insurance premiums for every single Queenslander,” he said.

“I will be prepared to call out insurers who aren’t good partners in the short and long term.”

Flooding at Windsor in Brisbane’s inner north on Monday. Picture: Annette Dew

The first hardship payments of $180 per person and $900 per family were available to residents of Gold Coast, Redland and Logan councils.

The grants can be used to assist with the purchase of emergency essentials, the replacement of damaged household items and income-tested assistance for property structural repairs as well as the reconnection of essential services.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has also announced some workers and sole traders will be able to access income support as a result of ex-tropical cyclone Alfred.

Mr Albanese said eligible workers in 31 council areas who had lost income would be able to access up to 13 weeks of income support at the JobSeeker level.

Queensland Fire Department rescued 35 people from flooded homes and cars on Sunday night, including two people stuck on the roof of their car at Palmwoods on the Sunshine Coast.

The State Emergency Service also received 3676 calls for help, the highest number ever received in 24 hours.

Mr Crisafulli said public transport services were operational with some disruptions.

Almost 200 state schools reopened on Monday, however 463 remained closed along with 259 independent and Catholic schools.

Energex had returned power to 140,000 properties, but 200,000 were still out.

Flooding at Windsor in Brisbane’s inner north. Picture: Lucas Salvatori

Properties flooding at Carina in Brisbane. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

Originally published as Brisbane floods: Not as bad as 2011 or 2022, but city still reeling