Focus on the BIG picture.
Thursday, Oct 15, 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
Trump Administration Reaches Diesel Supply Agreement With Russia Ahead of US Midterm Elections
Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration From Revoking White House Press Credentials
Missile Attacks Sink Cargo Ships and Hit Saudi Energy Facility in Persian Gulf
US and South Korea Announce $200 Billion Energy Investment Plan, Including Alaska Gas Pipeline
Trump Pressures Zelenskyy to Halt Ukrainian Strikes on Russian Energy Facilities
Russian Strikes Cut Power in Kyiv as US and Europe Diverge Over Ukraine Ceasefire
Trump Claims Russia-Ukraine Energy Ceasefire as Kyiv and European Allies Report Violations
Trump Administration Cuts Refugee Appeal Deadline From 30 Days to 10 as Legal Challenge Begins
IMF Warns AI Sector Borrowing Could Pose Serious Risks to Global Markets
Trump Announces Pause in US Strikes on Iran Until After November Midterm Elections
Trump Defends Russian Diesel Deal as Congress Moves to Challenge Sanctions Relief
Pentagon Raises US Casualty Figures as Iran War Aircraft Damage Tops $3 Billion
Pentagon Revises US Military Casualty Figures Amid Conflict With Iran
Pentagon Orders Military to Complete Preparations for Possible Renewed Strikes on Iran
Houthi Attack on Riyadh Airport Kills 12, Injures More Than 300
US Completes Military Withdrawal From Iraq After 23 Years
Trump Announces Russian Oil Purchase Agreement as Ukraine Disputes Energy Ceasefire Claims
Houthi Missile and Drone Attacks on Saudi Airports and Oil Facilities Kill at Least 13
Trump Announces Energy Ceasefire With Russia as Ukraine Rejects Diesel Import Agreement
US Lawmakers Seek to Block Trump Administration’s Russian Diesel Import Agreement
Trump Announces Partial Ukraine Ceasefire With Russia as Zelenskyy Rejects Deal
US Justice Department Opens Antitrust Investigation Into Five Television Networks Over White House Coverage Boycott
Trump Pressures Ukraine to Change Leadership as Peace Negotiations With Russia Stall
Russian Missile Strike on Passenger Buses in Eastern Ukraine Kills at Least 30
Major US Insurers Cut Medicare Advantage Plans, Leaving Millions Facing Coverage Changes
Trump Rules Out Military Strikes on Iran Before November Midterm Elections
The Indian Express
US Suspends Microsoft and Adobe From Employment-Based Green Card Program Over Suspected Abuses
Nobel Peace Prize
Navi Pillay Wins 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for Defending International Law and Human Rights
The White House
Trump Orders Investigation Into Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, Renewing Independence Concerns
elpais.com
EU and China Reach Preliminary Deal to Curb Hybrid Car Exports and Ease Trade Tensions
AP News
Trump Announces Russian Diesel Deal, Reversing US Sanctions Policy Amid Ukraine War
Russia Helps Iran Develop Advanced Anti-Ship Missiles That Could Threaten US Naval Forces
AP News
Trump Rules Out New Strikes on Iran Before November Elections as US Protects Gulf Oil Shipments
Hurricane Isaias Strengthens to Category 3 as Florida and Gulf Coast Prepare for Impact
Trump Announces Russian Diesel Deal and Sanctions Relief, Drawing Condemnation From Ukraine
Magnitude 7.6 Earthquake Strikes Panama, Triggering Tsunami Warnings Across Pacific Coast
Trump Says US Will Not Strike Iran Before Midterm Elections as Diplomatic Talks Continue
US Treasury Targets Iranian Shadow Fleet With New Sanctions on Oil Shipping Networks
Canadian author Anne Carson awarded 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature
United Kingdom downgrades East Jerusalem consulate to diplomatic mission
South Korea successfully tests first homegrown hypersonic glide vehicle
President Trump suspends military strikes on Iran ahead of November midterms
US Federal Reserve officials split on future interest rate path despite unanimous hike
US ten-year Treasury yields hit 2002 high of 5.36 percent amid global bond sell-off
×