Queensland floods kill 33, cost over $1.2 billion

The severe weather was characterized by two tropical lows around north Queensland that produced rainfall totals comparable to cyclonic conditions, according to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. A third system in the Coral Sea was identified as having a moderate chance of developing into a tropical cyclone, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. By 1 February, 24-hour rainfall totals reached up to 300 mm in affected areas, and the Bureau of Meteorology forecast potential for continued heavy rainfall and damaging winds into early February. Meteorologists predicted additional rainfall between 160 and 250 mm in the Ingham-Townsville corridor, with potential totals reaching 450 mm in some areas, while areas outside the corridor were expected to receive between 100 and 160 mm over six hours, with isolated rainfall potentially reaching 300 mm in 24 hours. By 4 p.m. local time on 2 February, some areas received more than 1,000 mm of precipitation. Paluma recorded over 175 mm of rainfall within a three-hour period, Paradise Lagoon recorded 164 mm in three hours, and Rollstone recorded 101 mm in three hours, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. Isolated areas near Ingham recorded over 600 mm in 24 hours, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. The Bureau of Meteorology also forecast high tides between 3.5 and 4 metres on 2 February, approximately one metre above normal levels.

Major flood warnings were issued for the Bohle, Black, Herbert, Haughton, and Ross rivers, and flood watches were implemented for the Proserpine, Burdekin, and additional sections of the Black River, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. Major flooding particularly impacted the Shire of Hinchinbrook and several suburbs in Townsville, significantly affecting Giru. A band of rain dumped falls of between 50mm to 100mm in the 24 hours to 9am on Wednesday across central Queensland from Mount Isa towards Charleville, including 161mm in Tambo, according to Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Dean Narramore. Narramore said the rainfall overnight would lead to prolonged flooding out west and renewed river level rises, noting that most of the 50mm to 100mm fell on upper catchments of very large and very slow moving rivers already undergoing major flooding. He added that the flooding would continue to feed down in the coming days and weeks, and described 'incredible flooding out there, likely to continue for days, if not weeks, across south west Queensland.' The new downpours were weakening as they headed south-east and should move offshore by Wednesday evening, Narramore said. Flood waters will eventually drain to Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre or down the Murray Darling basins, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

Mass evacuation orders were prompted in Queensland's coastal regions, according to the Queensland government. The Queensland premier met 28 people from Adavale who had been evacuated about 85km down the Bulloo River to Quilpie, Crisafulli said. Across the 20 homes in Adavale, every single one has damage in the habitable area, and there is not a single place in that community where you can use as the rebuild, the premier stated. According to www.theguardian.com, Stephen Cowley described pushing his two daughters and granddaughter up on the roof where they were whisked away by a helicopter. Cowley also described seeing the helicopter that picked up his neighbour crash in a nearby yard and watching as the pilot was swept down the creek about 2km onto a tree before being rescued, according to the same source. Ninety people from Thargomindah were evacuated, Crisafulli said.

Townsville University Hospital announced cancellation of most elective surgeries for 3 February, with only urgent procedures continuing. Townsville Airport announced closure from 12 p.m. on 2 February. According to Barometern-OT, Evelina Petersson described experiencing the most difficult thing she has ever been through, and mentioned that 'the dream disappeared' and 'the dams broke,' though the specific event she referred to remains unclear.

The Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) provide financial assistance to natural disaster-declared areas in each state or territory, according to the Queensland government. For the Western Queensland surface trough and associated rainfall and flooding (21 March – 19 May 2025), assistance measures include Personal Hardship Assistance Scheme and Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme in eight LGAs: Barcaldine (for defined areas), Barcoo, Bulloo, Longreach, Murweh, Paroo, Quilpie, Winton. Concessional interest rate loans and freight subsidies for primary producers are available in twelve LGAs: Balonne, Barcaldine, Barcoo, Blackall-Tambo, Boulia, Bulloo, Diamantina, Longreach, Murweh, Paroo, Quilpie, Winton. Concessional interest rate loans for not-for-profit organisations are available in nine LGAs (list not fully provided). Counter Disaster Operations are available in forty-one LGAs, and Reconstruction and Essential Public Assets assistance is available in thirty-nine LGAs. Under the DRFA, a Community Recovery Support Fund has been activated to provide grants to councils for essential immediate recovery activities. Personal hardship financial assistance is available for Queensland communities impacted by the recent severe weather, according to the Queensland government. Primary producers can access assistance to hire or purchase equipment and materials, clean up, remove debris, replace fencing and other costs. The recovery operation includes preparation of a business case for extraordinary assistance under the DRFA. QRA Recovery and Resilience Officers offer support to eligible councils to develop event specific local recovery plans. QRA is the lead recovery agency liaising with Functional Recovery Groups for state recovery planning. A Community Recovery Hotline is available at 1800 173 349 for assistance with disaster recovery funding eligibility and support.

Clear skies are forecast for Thursday inland, revealing the vast scale of outback floods, according to Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Dean Narramore. Towns and homesteads could be cut off or at risk of flooding for weeks to come, forecasters said. The flooding will continue to feed down in the coming days and weeks, Narramore said, and there is incredible flooding out there, likely to continue for days, if not weeks, across south west Queensland. Flood waters will eventually drain to Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre or down the Murray Darling basins. The exact number of fatalities from the flooding itself beyond 'at least two' remains unknown, as does the disease that caused the 31 fatalities. The current status of the third tropical system in the Coral Sea and the total number of people evacuated across all affected areas are also not yet confirmed.