Cardwell isolated again by floods in North Queensland

Heavy rainfall has caused flooding in Cardwell, a town in North Queensland, isolating the community once again. The Bruce Highway is closed between Ingham and Cardwell, cutting off access to Halifax. An emergency alert has been issued for residents in the Lower Herbert region, advising them to stay indoors. Cardwell Gap recorded the highest rainfall overnight with 450 millimeters. Ingham saw 267 millimeters, while Halifax had 226 millimeters. Hinchinbrook mayor Ramon Jayo mentioned that road access is limited but does not expect homes to be flooded. He urged residents to move vehicles to higher ground as water levels in Halifax approached 5.5 meters. While the current flooding is significant, it has not exceeded the level reached during the recent flooding disaster in February. The Bureau of Meteorology indicated that the rain has led to flash flooding and swollen rivers, with a major flood warning issued for the Herbert River. Additional flood warnings are in effect for other rivers, including the Bohle River and Tully River. The Bureau is monitoring ongoing rainfall and the risk of severe thunderstorms. Isolated storms may continue into the weekend, potentially bringing more rain. Recovery efforts are also ongoing in areas affected by Cyclone Alfred, particularly on the Gold Coast. Power has been restored to most residents, allowing businesses to reopen. A café manager shared that the cyclone caused significant disruption, but the community is coming together to help one another.