Queensland’s Townsville region is once again bracing for heavy rainfall and the potential for widespread flooding, as severe weather continues to batter the area. The ongoing deluge has raised concerns about the increasing risk of melioidosis, a potentially deadly bacterial infection often linked to floodwaters.
The Bruce Hwy is cut off between Cardwell and Ingham with several dams spilling or nearing capacity. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for Queensland’s Herbert and Lower Burdekin Coast, including the towns of Townsville, Palm Island, Ayr, Giru, Lucinda, and Ingham. With rainfall totals predicted to reach up to 240mm, these flood-prone areas are once again at high risk of significant river rises and flash flooding.
7NEWS meteorologist Tony Auden said torrential rain had been falling across the region overnight into Tuesday, triggering widespread flash flooding. “Plenty of flash flooding has been reported in the streets, though it looks like riverine flooding has stayed at minor to moderate levels so far,” Auden explained. “Magnetic Island recorded a remarkable 351mm of rain in 24 hours, while Pallarenda had 338mm and Toolakea received 301mm.” Auden warned while the heaviest rain was moving southeast, the region should prepare for more heavy showers and possible storms. “We are likely to see more heavy showers and the occasional storm linger over the next few days,” he said.
The rain increases the risk of melioidosis, a bacterial infection linked to exposure to contaminated floodwaters. According to Queensland Health, the risk of contracting the disease increases as floodwaters rise. With 20 reported deaths from melioidosis in the state in recent weeks, health authorities have urged residents to avoid contact with floodwaters and to wear protective clothing when necessary. Melioidosis can occur when skin abrasions or wounds come into contact with contaminated water or soil, especially after flooding or heavy rainfall. Symptoms can range from fever and cough to severe complications such as sepsis, pneumonia, and organ failure, with prompt antibiotic treatment crucial for survival.
Townsville has been hardest hit by the ongoing weather, with widespread flooding causing major disruption. The State Emergency Service has been unable to reach residents in many areas due to blocked roads and dangerous conditions. One SES volunteer, who had just returned from Cyclone Alfred recovery efforts, told 7NEWS they were stuck in their apartment and unable to assist the Townsville community.
In Ingham, which was heavily impacted during the February floods, the situation is particularly dire. The town’s recovery from the earlier disaster, during which the Herbert River broke flooding records from 1967, is being hindered by renewed rainfall. Hinchinbrook Shire mayor Ramon Jayo said ongoing wet weather is delaying recovery efforts from February’s floods. “There’s still a lot of trauma,” Jayo said. The previous floods resulted in two fatalities, widespread damage to roads, and prolonged power outages. The army was called in to rebuild a destroyed bridge and ensure fresh supplies reached the town.
February 2025 was the wettest month on record for some north Queensland towns. Paluma, near Townsville, recorded more than 2000mm of rain, double what Sydney receives in a year. Authorities continue to monitor the situation. Residents are urged to stay alert and follow safety instructions as more heavy rain is expected.
In addition to flooding, Townsville faced severe disruptions from the relentless rainfall that spread across the region. An elderly man was helped by neighbours after he took a fall in floodwaters as the sudden rain caught many residents by surprise. A shopping centre carpark was also flooded with a wall of water on the same day, adding to the chaos and confusion. Furthermore, Ingham experienced similar situations where two elderly women needed to be rescued from their cars.
Queensland Police reported that the SES responded to nine call-outs earlier in the day regarding inundation.
The severe deluge has reignited fears of melioidosis, as health officials remain vigilant. The rainfall may have eased, but a major flooding threat persists across the state, particularly near the Bohle River, west of Townsville. The Bureau of Meteorology has now shifted its focus to the spreading pools of water still present in catchments, warning that the deluge could potentially return.
On March 19 alone, Townsville recorded a staggering 301.4mm of rain, making it the highest level of rainfall for a single day in the area’s history. The region experienced its most intense weather between 1am and 9am, when 241.4mm of rain fell. Such figures far exceed the March monthly average, and meteorologists are reaffirming that the current wet season, which lasts from October to April, is on course to break records set over a century ago.
As response efforts continue, emergency services have had to divert traffic at the intersection of Woolcock Street and Kings Road due to flash flooding in Castletown shopping centre’s carpark. The Bruce Highway remains blocked, significantly hampering transport routes.
The death toll from melioidosis has tragically risen, now totaling six since the rains began in January. Currently, authorities have reported eight deaths from the 54 cases documented this wet season alone. Townsville Public Health Unit Director Dr. Steven Donohue emphasized the importance of precautions as melioidosis can enter the body through breaks in the skin, especially for high-risk individuals. “People at most risk of contracting melioidosis are already unwell, elderly, have existing chronic conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease, have cancer, or are heavy alcohol users,” he said. Symptoms include fever, cough, chest pain, muscle pain, and headaches.
As residents of Townsville and beyond face the impacts of relentless rain, health officials and emergency services stress the need for vigilance and adherence to safety precautions as recovery begins amid continuing weather challenges.
