Northern Queensland faces new flood threat from heavy rain

Northern Queensland is facing more flooding as heavy rains continue. The region has been hit by triple-digit rainfall totals for days. This comes just a month after a flood emergency claimed two lives and left 30,000 people without power. On Thursday morning, the Lower Herbert River near Halifax rose above the major flood level of 5.5 meters. Residents were advised to move their vehicles to higher ground as the river overflowed. Rainfall has been persistent, with up to 200 millimeters recorded daily between Townsville and Innisfail. Ingham, Cardwell, and Townsville received over 200 mm in the last 24 hours. Cardwell Gap received the highest amount with 450 mm, leading to flash flooding. Other towns, like Trebonne, saw 348 mm, while Ingham experienced 267 mm. This area had previously suffered during severe floods in February. Thursday is expected to bring more rain, with warnings of intense downpours continuing into Friday. The Bureau of Meteorology noted that rainfall has been heavier than expected. Flood warnings are currently in effect for the Herbert, Bohle, and Ross rivers. Just a month ago, February 2025 was recorded as the wettest month in history for some towns in north Queensland. One location, Paluma near Townsville, saw more than two meters of rain. Meanwhile, southeast Queensland is recovering from damage caused by ex-tropical cyclone Alfred, with $80 million in disaster relief payments issued.