Queensland is currently grappling with a devastating flood crisis triggered by torrential rainfall. The flooding, which collected over 990 mm of rain (as of February 3, 2025) in Queensland, has inundated homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure and swept away a concrete bridge. Numerous residents have been placed under emergency evacuation orders.
If you have travel plans to Queensland or surrounding areas, consider rescheduling your trip. Residents are urged to follow official advice and warnings from emergency services. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that the Townsville Airport will be shut temporarily in light of the grave weather conditions.
Floods in Queensland: Extreme weather advisory issued
Thousands flee homes as floods hit Australia https://t.co/Y9HBokimOM
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) February 2, 2025
According to a report by 9News, the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation has warned residents to be vigilant of crocodiles that may be displaced by the flooding. “During flooding, crocodiles can turn up in places they haven’t been seen before as they move about in search of calmer waters,” the department stated.
The Bruce Highway Bridge, the sole connection between central, northern, and far north Queensland, collapsed amid the continuing floods. The bridge was situated at Ollera Creek, between Ingham and Townsville.
Thousands have been forced to flee their homes after torrential rainfall has caused flooding in northern Queensland, #Australia. Authorities confirmed death of a woman.
Meteorologists say these could be the worst floods in the region in more than 60 years. Authorities are…
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) February 2, 2025
Menacing gusts of wind, reaching speeds of up to 100 km/h in Townsville and North Queensland, have complicated evacuation and rescue efforts. As of February 2, Rollingstone experienced over 820 mm of rainfall, Paluma Dam recorded 810 mm, and Bluewater endured 600 mm.
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On February 2, violent floods caused an SES rescue boat to capsize, claiming the life of a woman from Ingham, which is located just 100 km from Townsville. These flash floods may result in Ingham experiencing its worst flooding in 60 years.
One dead in Australia floods, probe on and evacuation orders issued#Australia
READ: https://t.co/zO36d7z09Zhttps://t.co/zO36d7z09Z
— WION (@WIONews) February 2, 2025
With the likelihood of stronger winds and increased rainfall in the upcoming week, the Bureau of Meteorology has issued a gale warning for Townsville and Cairns. Additionally, a flood warning has been issued for the rivers surrounding Queensland, including:
- The Herbert River
- The Ross and Bohle Rivers, the Black River and Bluewater Creek
- The Haughton River Catchment
In 2019, Townsville — situated near the Great Barrier Reef with a population of approximately 200,000 — experienced devastating floods referred to as a once-in-a-century event.
(Feature image credit: David Jackmanson/Flickr)
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The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
Written By
Yashita Vashishth
Senior Digital Writer - Growth, TravelWriter by day, reader by night, Yashita has a flair for all things travel, wellness and food. She has ..Read More
