Focus on the BIG picture.
Thursday, Mar 12, 2026

Queensland and Northern NSW Recover from Severe Weather as Floodwaters Recede

Queensland and Northern NSW Recover from Severe Weather as Floodwaters Recede

Emergency alerts cancelled and power restoration efforts continue in the aftermath of significant flooding.
Queensland is beginning to recover from severe weather events, with Premier David Crisafulli announcing the easing of rainfall and receding river levels, leading to the cancellation of emergency alerts statewide.

However, nearly 118,000 of the 450,000 homes that were without electricity during the adverse weather remain without power.

Energex, the local electricity company, is reportedly working tirelessly to restore power to affected households.

During a media briefing in Gold Coast, Premier Crisafulli emphasized the importance of the recovery phase, stating, "That is a significant amount," referring to the ongoing power outages affecting many families and businesses.

The state has been transitioning from response to recovery activities, with officials hopeful that the worst of the severe weather has passed.

Severe flooding resulted from the passage of an ex-tropical cyclone, causing rivers such as the Logan River at Beaudesert to peak above major flood levels at 10.72 meters.

Meanwhile, the Albert River at Beenleigh reached a peak of 6.02 meters, and the Bremer River peaked at 11.47 meters.

Although these rivers have begun to fall, the effects of the flooding are still being felt.

Significant rainfall figures have been reported across the region, with Upper Springbrook receiving the highest at 1,146mm, while Brisbane city recorded 513mm.

The cessation of emergency alerts provides a measure of relief for many residents, allowing them to start assessing the damage.

Following the extreme weather, 360 state schools reopened, enabling more than half of Queensland's school children to return to classes, subsequently aiding their parents in returning to everyday routines.

Premier Crisafulli noted that the reopening of schools increases access to essential services like healthcare.

The transport network continues to face challenges, with major roads, including the Warrego Highway, cut off at certain points.

Efforts are underway to clear blockages, with some routes, including the Cunningham Highway, having reopened.

While bus services are not fully operational, train services are currently maintaining a limited schedule.

In Ipswich, located east of Brisbane, major flooding impacted the area, but Mayor Teresa Harding expressed relief, stating, "It felt like we dodged a bullet," while noting that some families and businesses are still coping with flooding.

A full damage assessment is underway, with the local government emphasizing community support.

In northern New South Wales, evacuation centres are expected to close as the flood threat diminishes and waters recede.

Emergency crews in the Tweed region are conducting damage assessments, with several properties already classified as uninhabitable due to water damage.

Although major flood warnings have been lifted for many areas, approximately 7,500 homes and businesses remain without power

The Queensland government announced that six community recovery hubs will be established across south-east Queensland to assist residents affected by the disasters, aiming to provide the necessary support during this recovery phase.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Release of Mandelson Files Raises Tensions as UK Seeks Stable Relations With Donald Trump
Democrats Challenge White House Proposal for Monument Dubbed ‘Arc de Trump’
Driver Detained After Van Crashes Into Security Barrier Outside White House
U.S. Senators Demand Review of Justice Department’s Handling of Epstein Files
Nations Move to Release Record Oil Reserves as Iran War Jolts Global Economy
Pentagon Restricts Press Photographers After Disputed Claims Over Images of Defense Secretary
Drone Strike Hits U.S. Diplomatic Facility in Iraq as Regional Conflict Intensifies
Denzel Washington and Antoine Fuqua Prepare Netflix Epic on Hannibal With Summer Filming in Italy
Why Washington State Flags Are Lowered on Wednesday
Washington House Approves 9.9 Percent ‘Millionaires Tax’ After Fierce Debate Over State’s Fiscal Future
Washington State House Approves ‘Millionaires Tax’ After Marathon 25-Hour Legislative Debate
US Senator John Kennedy Says Keir Starmer Should Not Be Trusted for Military Advice Amid Iran War Debate
Global Energy Agency Announces Record Release of 400 Million Barrels to Stabilize Oil Markets Amid Hormuz Disruption
Thailand and United States Launch ‘Hanuman Guardian 2026’ Military Exercise in Lopburi
Democratic Lawmakers Warn Trump’s China Strategy Could Undermine U.S. Advantage
White House Issues Executive Order Targeting Global Cybercrime Networks
White House Advises House Republicans to Reframe Immigration Messaging Ahead of Midterms
White House Says U.S. Launching ‘Most Intense’ Day of Strikes as Iran War Escalates
Rising Oil Prices From Iran War Stir Anxiety Among Republicans Ahead of Midterms
Washington Lawmakers Clash Over Millionaires’ Tax in Overnight Session Before Legislative Deadline
Tennessee Congressman’s Anti-Muslim Remark Triggers Political Firestorm in Washington
Why Congress Continues to Expand Presidential Authority Under Donald Trump
‘Titanic’-Style Trump Sculpture on National Mall Sparks Public Debate
FDA Narrows Scope of Drug Once Hailed as Potential Autism Treatment
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt Cancels Public Appearance During Washington Visit
Baseball Matchup Against Washington Adjusts Start Time Ahead of Series Game
Washington State Mandates Mental Health Training for Construction Apprentices
Will Seattle See Snow During Washington’s Incoming Blizzard? Forecasts Point Mostly to Rain
Pentagon Signals Intensification of U.S. Air Campaign as Iran Conflict Escalates
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham Raises Prospect of Mutual Defense Pact With Saudi Arabia Amid Iran Conflict
Why Saudi Arabia Is Unlikely to Have Wanted U.S. Airstrikes on Iran
US Forces Prepare Ordnance at RAF Fairford as Strategic Bombers Deploy for Middle East Operations
Trump Rallies Republican Lawmakers in Florida as Party Maps Strategy for Election Year
Proposed Washington Budget Changes Could Raise Costs for Students in Running Start College Program
Trump Administration Launches Major Federal Hiring Push After Workforce Cuts
United States Expands Diplomatic Evacuations Across the Middle East Amid Escalating Security Threats
FBI Seeks Records From Arizona GOP’s 2020 Election Review in Ongoing Federal Investigation
Anthropic Sues Pentagon After Being Branded a National Security ‘Supply Chain Risk’
Oil Markets Swing as Trump Signals Both Rapid End and Tough Response in Iran Conflict
Winter Weather Alerts Issued for Oregon and Washington Cascades as Major Snowstorm Approaches
Pentagon Says Early U.S. Strikes on Iran Consumed $5.6 Billion in Munitions
Trump’s Wartime Presidency Takes Shape Through a Distinctive Political Style
Pentagon Identifies U.S. Soldier Who Died After Iranian Strike on Saudi Air Base
Lindsey Graham Urges Saudi Arabia to Join US Effort Against Iran as War Expands
US and UK Army Chiefs Strengthen Cooperation on the Future of Armored Warfare
Trump Declines UK Offer to Deploy Aircraft Carriers to Middle East Amid Iran Conflict
Three Strategic Steps Donald Trump Could Take to Reach Ordinary Iranians
Bill Maher Reveals Message Donald Trump Sent After Their White House Dinner
Republican Senator Urges Stephen Miller to Leave White House Amid Policy Dispute
UFC Unveils Fight Card for Historic Event Planned at the White House
×