Residents of northern Queensland are bracing for more flooding as heavy rain continues to inundate communities still recovering from last month's devastating floods. Emergency alerts were issued early Thursday, March 20, 2025, as the Lower Herbert River near Halifax rose past the major flood level of 5.5 metres, prompting local authorities to urge residents to move their vehicles to higher ground.
According to the Hinchinbrook Shire Council, the emergency alert was issued at 4:10 AM, just hours before the river was forecasted to reach critical levels. The Bureau of Meteorology reported that rainfall on Wednesday led to significant accumulations, with Halifax experiencing up to 220 millimeters of rain in just three hours. The continuous downpours are expected to persist into Friday, as thunderstorms threaten further heavy rainfall across the Herbert River catchment.
Townsville, which saw over 30,000 properties without power last month due to flooding, is once again in a state of recovery. Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney expressed the collective exhaustion of the townspeople, saying, “We are exhausted… it is that sense of ‘Oh gosh, here we go again’ and it is emotionally draining.” Residents in Townsville had reported significant rainfall on March 19, with 297 millimeters at Picnic Bay and 284 millimeters at Bluewater.
Flash flooding has been reported in various districts, with heavy rain contributing to roads being inundated across the area. However, the situation has improved slightly as authorities worked to navigate the tumultuous conditions, with footage of a 76-year-old man being rescued from rising waters making the rounds on social media. Fortunately, he was taken home with a minor injury after falling.
The Bruce Highway between Cardwell and Ingham remains closed due to floodwaters, as various towns across the region—such as Ingham, Cardwell, and Trebonne—have each recorded over 200 millimeters of rain within the past 24 hours. Notably, Cardwell Gap reported an astonishing 450 millimeters, triggering fears of flash floods across the region. The heavy rainfall is a stark reminder of the historic achievements of months prior, with February 2025 being the wettest month on record for some northern Queensland towns; Paluma received over two meters of rain, double what is typically expected in a year.
Ingham, one of the worst-hit areas from last month’s floods, experienced a surge of flooding again, raising concerns for residents who had barely begun their recovery. With evacuation notices once again being issued, residents of Bluewater, who previously faced flooding in February, are prepared with sandbags as they brace for water surges.
Despite the immediate emergency warnings, there is an ongoing effort for recovery as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that $80 million in disaster relief payments had been accessed to assist affected communities across Queensland and northern NSW. “Claims are being processed within 24 hours,” Albanese stated, showing swift action to address the needs arising from these latest weather events.
Meteorologist Miriam Bradbury of the Bureau of Meteorology mentioned, “This wet period has continued for longer than expected,” indicating that the persistent rainfall is a continuing concern for residents. Flood warnings have been issued for the Herbert, Bohle, and Ross rivers, notifying the community to remain vigilant and take precautions as the situation develops.
As communities prepare for the worst, efforts are being made to provide support where needed. Townsville's sewage system is under pressure, leading the officials to urge residents to conserve water while repairing the damages left in the wake of the latest storms. With roads flooded and businesses struggling, it highlights the ongoing challenges presented by the weather in the region.
The situation remains fluid, and while emergency services are working diligently to manage the crisis, communities across northern Queensland are left to wonder how many more deluges they can withstand. With urgent care and attention, they are hoping to avert more damages, especially as heavy rain continues to fall.
In the face of relentless storms and the memories of previous disasters, the resilience of these communities will be tested once more. As residents watch the skies closely, they prepare for whatever may come.
