Queensland: The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has defended its forecasting after an objection that it failed to provide adequate warning to the coastal Queensland community of Hervey Bay before a torrential downpour struck in the wake of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Fraser Coast mayor George Seymour called for a review of BoM’s warning systems, arguing that the community was unprepared for more than 260mm of rain that fell within hours, triggering an emergency and multiple rescues.
However, senior forecaster Christie Johnson stated that “the bureau operated well.” She said broad warnings had been issued and refined as conditions evolved. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli described a tense 24-hour period for residents in the state’s south-east, with thousands of emergency calls and widespread harm.
David Crisafulli stated that, “In the last 24 hours, there have been 3,676 calls for help to the SES—the largest 24-hour period in the history of Queensland State Emergency Service.” Flooding and heavy rainfall have led to overall power outages, with more than 200,000 people in Queensland and northern New South Wales still without electricity.
Thank you. Today, tomorrow and every day.
Everywhere I’ve been, communities getting through Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred are so grateful for the presence and efforts of the incredible men and women of the Australian Defence Force.
Today at 41st Battalion headquarters in Lismore I… pic.twitter.com/EG0MG8iirn
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) March 10, 2025
Rescue operations have been ongoing, with swift water teams saving 35 people from floodwaters. Deputy Commissioner Kevin Walsh of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services described a rescue in Palmwoods, where floodwaters reached 300 metres wide. Drones were used to assess the stability of the water before rescuers reached two stranded individuals.
The BoM has warned of continued localised flooding, with six-hour rainfall totals of up to 150mm still possible. Authorities have urged residents to stay alert, particularly in Brisbane, Logan, the Gold Coast, and Ipswich, where rivers and creeks remain dangerously high.
Ipswich City Council issued an emergency alert due to flash flooding, while Lockyer Valley residents were told to take shelter as Laidley Creek swelled. While no fatalities have been reported in Queensland, one person has died in northern NSW, where 20,300 people have been ordered to evacuate.
Seqwater has warned of sewage overflow in some flooded areas, urging residents to avoid contact with floodwaters due to contamination risks. Despite the flooding crisis, authorities have assured residents that drinking water remains safe.
Hundreds of schools remain closed or operating with skeleton staff. The nationwide Naplan test, initially set for this week, has been rescheduled to next week for affected schools. Commonwealth hardship payments of $180 per person or $900 per family are now available in Logan, the Gold Coast, and the Redlands, with more council areas expected to qualify.
In northern NSW, flooding remains a major concern. About 1,800 people are isolated by floodwaters, while 18,500 more have been warned they could be cut off. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Lismore after flying into Brisbane. He urged residents to remain cautious as authorities warned that heavy rainfall could persist, worsening flood risks.
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