‘Threat to life’: Residents warned to seek higher ground amid deadly Qld floods

Residents have been issued with an urgent warning amid the floods devastating North Queensland that have already claimed one person’s life.

Residents have been urged to move to higher ground amid warnings flash flooding inundating north Queensland could threaten life and property.

The fresh warning comes after a woman died following a rescue on Sunday morning.

Several towns including Cardwell, Townsville and areas towards Ayr could receive staggering 24-hour rain totals of up to 500mm.

An emergency alert for dangerous flooding that could “pose a threat to life and property” was issued by Cassowary Coast Regional Council for the Cardwell area in Far North Queensland at about midnight on Monday.

“Cardwell residents are advised flooding is occurring in low-lying areas and may spread,” the alert stated.

“Residents in low-lying areas should collect their evacuation kit and move to a safe place on higher ground now. This situation poses a threat to life and property.”

Streets were flooded in Mount Louisa in Townsville. Picture: Facebook.

State MP Natalia Marr (left) works with other Townsville locals to fill sandbags. Picture: Facebook.

Residents were advised to seek a safe and high place away from creeks and rivers and to take mobile phones, medicine, ID, cash and keys along.

Those unable to leave safely were told to stay inside and move to a higher point like a kitchen bench or second storey – and call triple-0 – if floodwater comes inside.

Those outside should stay away from trees, drains, low areas, creeks, canals and floodwater.

People were warned not to drive through floodwaters.

The State Emergency Service has received nearly 400 calls since 6am on Sunday, including 227 in Townsville City, 104 in Hinchinbrook Shire, 24 in Burdekin Shire and 21 in the Cairns region.

About 27 per cent of calls were for leaking ceilings and roof damage, followed by groundwater entering homes (25 per cent) and requests for evacuation due to flood water entering homes (17 per cent).

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli told the ABC on Monday morning that there had been 11 water rescues overnight.

Homes and roads were affected by floodwaters in Ingham. Picture: Queensland Ambulance Services

Woman dead in floodwaters

A woman died on Sunday morning after an emergency services boat flipped over in floodwaters at Rutledge St in Ingham.

“Tragic news coming out of the tight-knit Ingham community today with the loss of one of their own,” Mr Crisafulli posted to social media on Sunday.

“Our thoughts are with their friends and family during this devastating time, and the emergency services personnel working in these dangerous conditions.”

Tragic news coming out of the tight-knit Ingham community today with the loss of one of their own.

Our thoughts are with their friends and family during this devastating time, and the emergency services personnel working in these dangerous conditions.

— David Crisafulli (@DavidCrisafulli) February 2, 2025

Flood warnings issued across Far North Queensland

A flood watch has been issued for parts of Burdekin and Proserpine Catchments, while a major flood warnings were issued for the Haughton River Catchment, Herbert River, Ross and Bohle Rivers, Murray River and Upper Burdekin River.

The Bureau of Meteorology also issued warnings for the Black River and Blue Water Creek, with a moderate warning in place for the Tully River.

Palmer St in Ingham was affected by flooding. Picture: Facebook/Mully Morseau.

Minor flood warnings were issued for the Lower Burdekin River, Don River, Johnstone River catchment, Mulgrave River and Pioneer River, while warnings were also in place for the Black River, Bluewater Creek and Russell River.

Heavy and intense rainfall could hit parts of the North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, as well as the Herbert and Lower Burdekin Forecast districts, according to a Bureau of Meteorology alert issued at 4.37am on Monday.

“Heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding is forecast between Tully and Giru, and inland to the far western Herbert and Lower Burdekin district, including Townsville,” the alert stated.

“Locally intense rainfall which may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding is also possible between Cardwell and Yabulu, including the towns of Rollingstone, Paluma and Ingham during this period.”

Homes were evacuated in Ingham. Picture: Facebook.

Towns ‘cut off’

Towns have been “cut off” as the Bruce Highway was closed in some areas, with the Ollera Creek bridge near Paluma having partially collapsed, according to the ABC.

A Bambaroo resident said they were “cut off from Townsville” and that it was “not looking promising to get to Ingham any time soon”.

Mr Crisafulli said there would be “connectivity issues” while speaking about supermarket supply chains on the ABC on Monday morning.

“There will be connectivity issues, no doubt about that,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“There is huge community spirit but make no mistake, the supply chains are a big issue and you only have to look at the Bruce Highway to realise the state of that road and why it needs to be not just repaired but some resilience put into it.”

Mr Crisafulli said a Coles store manager was even put on a boat to grab food to provide to an evacuation centre in Ingham on Sunday after the mayor said they couldn’t get access to the supermarket.

“That’s community spirit alive and kicking,” Mr Crisafulli told Today.

“There will be challenges, there’s no doubt about it, and there will be a supply issues for sure. There always is.”

Rain and thunderstorms could continue

Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Dean Narramore said there was “torrential rainfall” between the Lucinda and Townsville areas over the last 24 hours.

The Rollingstone, Paluma Dam, Paluma and Cardwell areas recorded between 400 to 600mm of rain over the last 24 hours, while the Palooma area recorded 1m of rainfall over the last 48 hours.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said there would be ‘connectivity issues’ with supermarket supply chains. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell

He said heavy rainfall was likely to continue into Monday night, with isolated falls of up to 300mm possible.

“Unfortunately, we’re going to see rainfall continue today, particularly between that Cardwell down to around Ayr area,” Mr Narramore said.

“But thankfully we should see this persistent, long duration rainfall start breaking up into more showers, thunderstorms and rain areas as we get into the later afternoon and evening hours on Monday.

“But unfortunately we’re expecting to see widespread rain and thunderstorm activity across much of northern Queensland as we move through Tuesday, Wednesday and possibly even into Thursday as well.”

He said there would be some breaks in rainfall, but Queensland wouldn’t “totally clear out of rainfall probably for quite a while”.

“Unfortunately, still widespread rain and storms around which can lead to further rises if that rainfall occurs over areas already flooded rivers, creeks and streams.”

Disaster assistance for North Queensland

Personal hardship assistance will be available for eligible flood-affected residents in the Hinchinbrook and Palm Island council areas.

Those in Townsville and Gordonvale will also be eligible, with emergency hardship assistance grants of $180 per person and up to $900 per family of five or more available.

The payments are set to be issued to cover emergency essentials, with residents able to apply via the Queensland government disaster support and recovery page or via Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said the funding was “about helping people now and unlocking funds for councils to clean up and rebuild”.

Originally published as ‘Threat to life’: Residents warned to seek higher ground amid deadly Qld floods