North Queensland Deluge to Continue for Days, Leaving 9,000 Without Power.

A constant downpour is hammering rain-soaked northern Australia, with floodwaters still on the rise, leaving some people stranded, powerless, and eager for swollen rivers to recede.

The most intense rain has fallen between Lucinda and Townsville in northern Queensland, and the Bureau of Meteorology predicts that the heavy rain will persist for days.

Paluma Dam in Townsville recorded nearly one meter of rain in the last 48 hours, while Ingham received over 400mm in the last day.

The bureau has issued a severe weather warning from Tully to Ayr, anticipating isolated rainfall of 300mm on Monday.

The ongoing deluge has caused rivers to swell, resulting in major flood warnings for the Herbert River, Ross and Bohle River, Horton River, and Upper Burdekin River.

Meteorologist Dean Narramore stated that the widespread rain will briefly ease in the afternoon but is expected to intensify again starting from Tuesday.

“There may be some brief breaks in the rainfall, but a complete halt is not expected for some time,” he explained.

The State Emergency Service faced challenges on Sunday night, conducting 11 swift water rescues and receiving nearly 400 calls for assistance due to leaking ceilings, roof damage, flooding, evacuations, and fallen trees.

Two individuals were rescued from their submerged car roof in floodwaters in Woodstock around 7pm, while another person was saved from a truck stuck in floodwaters in Basalt.

A 63-year-old woman tragically died on Sunday when an SES boat navigating floodwaters struck a tree and capsized in Ingham.

Premier David Crisafulli mentioned that the flood crisis rivaled the 1967 emergency that submerged Ingham completely.

“This is a major event,” he emphasized to the Nine Network on Monday.

“To provide some context, the 1967 flood, which is often referred to as a once-in-a-century event, reached about 15.2m.

“Well, the Herbert River levels are still close to 15m and have remained so for some time.”

The flooding in Ingham hits close to home for Crisafulli, as his family farm has been impacted.

“Seeing the devastation to people’s homes, businesses, and farms, these are individuals I grew up with,” he told Sky News.

“So, naturally, it’s personal, but ultimately, we have a duty to ensure people are informed and safe.”

Multiple evacuation advisories are in place for various regions in the far north, with Cardwell residents being the latest urged to evacuate.

The Ingham area and the Ross River “black zone” in Townsville encompassing Cluden, Hermit Park, Idalia, Oonoonba, Railway Estate, and Rosslea have been advised not to return home as it’s still unsafe.

Over 9,000 residents in northern Queensland remain without power after the Ingham substation was shut down due to flooding.

“This inundation is one of the most severe we’ve witnessed in this beautiful community,” noted Ergon Energy.

The state government has activated hardship payment support for affected residents in Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Townsville, and Gordonvale.