2025 Queensland floods

2025 Queensland floods

Date	28 January 2025 (2025-01-28) – ongoing
Location	Queensland, Australia
Cause	Tropical low-pressure systems
Deaths	1

The 2025 Queensland floods refer to significant ongoing flooding that is impacting the northeast Australia state of Queensland in late January and early February 2025. The disaster resulted in at least one fatality and prompted mass evacuation orders in Queensland's coastal regions.[1]

Meteorology

The severe weather event was characterized by two tropical lows around north Queensland that produced rainfall totals the Australian Bureau of Meteorology compared to cyclonic conditions, despite not officially forming into cyclones. A third system in the Coral Sea was identified as having a moderate chance of developing into a tropical cyclone.[2] The weather system produced significant rainfall, with 24-hour totals reaching up to 300 millimetres (11.8 inches) in affected areas by 1 February. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology forecast the potential for continued heavy rainfall and damaging winds into early February, with its intensity dependent on the trough's strength and position.[1][3] Meteorologists forecast additional rainfall between 160 and 250 millimetres in the Ingham-Townsville corridor, with potential totals reaching 450 millimetres in some areas. Areas outside this corridor were expected to receive between 100 and 160 millimetres over six hours, with isolated rainfall potentially reaching 300 millimetres in 24 hours.[4] Major flood warnings were issued for the Bohle, Black, Herbert, Haughton, and Ross rivers, while flood watches were implemented for the Proserpine, Burdekin, and additional sections of the Black River.[2]

By 4 p.m. local time on 2 February, some areas received more than 1,000 millimetres (1 metre) of precipitation, with Paluma recording over 175mm of rainfall within a three-hour period. Severe thunderstorms produced additional intense rainfall in the Herbert and Lower Burdekin regions. The Bureau of Meteorology reported that Paradise Lagoon recorded 164 millimetres of rainfall in three hours, and Rollstone recorded 101 millimetres. Isolated areas near Ingham recorded over 600 millimetres in 24 hours.[4]

The Bureau of Meteorology also closely monitored tidal conditions, forecasting high tides between 3.5 and 4 metres on 2 February, approximately one metre above normal levels.[4]

Floods

Major flooding particularly impacted the Shire of Hinchinbrook, a coastal locality of approximately 11,000 residents located 1500 kilometres north of Brisbane. The flooding also affected several suburbs in the nearby city of Townsville, significantly impacting Giru.[1] Townsville University Hospital announced the cancellation of most elective surgeries for 3 January, with only urgent procedures continuing. The Townsville Airport announced closure from 12:30 PM on 2 February due to the severe weather conditions, with airlines canceling and rescheduling services. By 3:30 p.m. local time, the Ross River Dam reached a capacity of 163.8%, causing Townsville's disaster management group to close it to the public and halt traffic to the area.[4]

In Cardwell, drone footage revealed extensive flooding of residential areas, particularly along Roma Street. The Cassowary Coast Regional Council issued emergency alerts for the town, warning of the possible spread of inundation in low-lying areas.[4]

In Ingham, floodwaters inundated several local businesses and caused widespread road closures. One person in Ingham was rescued from his submerged vehicle by community members. Approximately 6,700 properties lost power after the Ingham Substation was deactivated for safety purposes. The Herbert River rose significantly to 14.89 metres, with predicted peak levels expected to rise to 15.2 metres, matching historic flooding caused by Cyclone Dinah in March 1967. A woman drowned in floodwaters at Ingham when a State Emergency Service (SES) boat capsized after striking a tree on Rutledge Street, prompting investigation. The vessel was carrying six people at the time of the incident, with five being safely rescued.[4]

The locality of Palm Island suffered a complete power outage after its electrical network was damaged in a landslide.[4]

Power outages

The flooding caused significant disruption to essential services across north Queensland. More than 8,000 homes lost power, with approximately 6,000 affected properties in Hinchinbrook, 2,000 in Townsville, and 600 in Mackay.[4]

Response

Regional emergency management authorities issued evacuation orders for low-lying areas in coastal Queensland due to continuous torrential rainfall threatening life and property, and urged evacuees to bring evacuation kits.[1] Mandatory evacuations were ordered for six suburbs of Townsville designated as being in the "black zone", including Cluden, Oonoonba, Hermit Park, Railway Estate, Idalia, and Rosslea. Despite evacuation orders, some residents, particularly elderly community members, chose to remain in their homes.[4]

The State Emergency Service responded to dozens of calls for assistance across Ingham, Cardwell, Halifax, and other isolated communities. Swift water rescue teams conducted multiple operations in flood-affected areas, including the evacuation and rescue of families, several individuals stranded on rooftops in Cardwell, and one man found hanging onto a fence in Ingham.[4] The Queensland government declared disaster situations for Townsville, Hinchinbrook, and Innisfail.[2]

Ergon Energy implemented power shutdowns in flood-prone areas to prevent catastrophic equipment failure. An Ergon Energy vehicle was stolen while responding to reports of downed power lines in Townsville, though the vehicle was later recovered.[4]

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) declared the floods a "significant event," with the potential to escalate to "insurance catastrophe" status based on claim numbers and complexity.[4]

The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation issued warnings about increased crocodile activity during the flooding, including in areas where they were typically not present.[4]

The Australian Government activated Personal Hardship Assistance for parts of Townsville and select Gordonvale addresses. The assistance package included emergency payments of $180 per person and up to $900 for families of five or more, as well as possible grants for structural repairs and impacted household goods. Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese pledged the "full support" of both Queensland and federal governments, committing to provide all necessary resources to address the crisis. The Prime Minister confirmed direct communication with Premier of Queensland David Crisafulli to coordinate response efforts.[4]

References

1. "One dead, thousands urged to evacuate as Australia's northeast battles floods". Reuters. 1 February 2025. Retrieved 1 February 2025.
2. "'The next 24 hours will be critical': flooding to second-storey level possible as torrential rain soaks Queensland". The Guardian. 2025-02-01. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2025-02-02.
3. "'The next 24 hours will be critical': flooding to second-storey level possible as torrential rain soaks Queensland". The Guardian. 2025-02-01. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2025-02-02.
4. "Live: One dead after boat capsizes in north Queensland as the flood emergency continues". ABC News. 2025-02-01. Retrieved 2025-02-02.