Fast-moving floodwaters surged across northeastern Australia on Monday, forcing evacuations, cutting power, and sweeping away part of a major bridge.
Storms have dumped more than a metre (39 inches) of rain in just two days in parts of Queensland, submerging homes, businesses, and roads, officials said.
Aerial footage showed rural communities isolated by floodwaters, as Queensland Premier David Crisafulli warned of more rain and potential flash and river flooding.


Emergency services carried out 11 “swift water rescues” overnight, while parts of Townsville were declared a “black zone,” with residents urged to stay away for safety.
Authorities ordered 2,100 people to evacuate, but about 10 per cent refused, officials said.
A woman in her 60s died on Sunday when a rescue boat capsised in the rural town of Ingham, 100km (60 miles) from Townsville. Her body was later recovered.
The floods tore apart a concrete bridge at Ollera Creek, severing the Bruce Highway, Queensland’s main coastal route.
“It’s not every day you see a bridge torn in two,” Crisafulli said.
Nearly 11,000 properties remained without power, with no clear timeline for restoration, Ergon Energy reported.
Heavy rain is expected to continue for another 24 hours, with some areas set to receive up to 300mm (12 inches) before easing, the National Weather Bureau said.
Townsville’s acting mayor, Ann-Maree Greaney, said floodwaters were expected to peak on Tuesday morning, warning that roads were cut off and communities remained isolated.
Residents have also been warned to expect crocodiles in floodwaters, with one farmer spotting several near his property, sharing an image of a reptile lurking on a flooded road.
Queensland, Australia’s most disaster-prone state, has suffered major floods in 2019, 2022, and 2023, with scientists warning climate change is making extreme weather events more frequent and severe.