Focus on the BIG picture.
Friday, Mar 20, 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
‘Good Trip’ and ‘The Sea Speaks His Name’ Take Top Honors at Hong Kong Film Financing Forum
East Texas Secures $16 Billion Gas Power Hub Under U.S.-Japan Investment Drive
Trump Administration Rejects Oil Export Ban in Talks With Energy Leaders
Trump Hosts Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for High-Stakes White House Talks
Trump Hosts Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for High-Stakes White House Talks
Pentagon Moves Toward $200 Billion Funding Push as Iran Conflict Expands
U.S. Weighs Easing Iran Oil Sanctions as Gulf Energy Attacks Shake Global Markets
Vance Faces Political Crossroads as Support for Military Action Tests His Base
Trump Confronts Limits of Federal Reserve Authority as Powell Remains in Place
Washington State Moves to Ban Masked Law Enforcement Officers Under New Proposal
Washington State Moves to Tackle DUI Testing Backlog with New Legislation
US Investigates Drone Sightings Over Washington Military Residential Area
US Investigates Drone Sightings Over Washington Military Residential Area
Trump Reshapes Federal Watchdog System, Blurring Traditional Oversight Boundaries
United States Urges Citizens to Leave Saudi Arabia Amid Escalating Regional Conflict
Markets Look to Trump–Xi Summit for Direction as Conflict Shakes Hong Kong and China Stocks
Markets Look to Trump–Xi Summit for Direction as Conflict Shakes Hong Kong and China Stocks
White House Expands Digital Infrastructure as Pentagon Advances Trump’s UFO Disclosure Directive
Judge Signals Possible Intervention in Trump’s Proposed $400 Million White House Ballroom Project
Washington State Lawmakers Overhaul Estate Tax Structure, Introduce New Income-Based Measure
Northern Ireland Delegation Marks St Patrick’s Day in Washington with Focus on U.S. 250th Anniversary
Northern Ireland Delegation Marks St Patrick’s Day in Washington with Focus on U.S. 250th Anniversary
Gabbard Says Iranian Leadership Weakened but Remains Operational, Briefs Senators
Gabbard Says Iranian Leadership Weakened but Remains Operational, Briefs Senators
Portland’s Unconventional Housing Strategy Gains National Attention for Cutting Costs
Federal Reserve Holds Interest Rates Steady as Iran Conflict Adds Global Uncertainty
Washington Governor Signs Measure Strengthening Safeguards Against Double Voting
ICE Enforcement Activity Surges in Washington State, University of Washington Report Finds
Trump-Backed Voting Bill Sparks Debate Over Electoral Strategy and Risks
Washington State Expands Direct EV Sales Exception to Rivian and Lucid
Washington State Expands Direct EV Sales Exception to Rivian and Lucid
U.S. Lawmakers Press Rubio to Enforce Strong Safeguards in Saudi Nuclear Deal
TrumpRx Pricing Platform Faces Scrutiny as Some Medicines Remain Costlier Than in the UK
Trump Declares U.S. Self-Reliance as Allies Decline Iran Mission Support
Trump Hosts Irish Prime Minister at White House, Reinforcing Transatlantic Ties on St Patrick’s Day
President Trump Highlights Enduring U.S.-Ireland Partnership at Capitol Hill Luncheon
Media Entrepreneur Moves Swiftly to Expand News Venture After Washington Post Cuts
Rise of Nutrition Apps Signals Subtle Transformation in America’s Food Industry
Paperwork Error by New ICE Agent Leads to Days-Long Detention of U.S. Resident
European Leaders Decline Trump’s Call for Joint Naval Action in Strait of Hormuz
Senior U.S. Housing Official Draws Attention After Seeking Home Fund Through Wedding Registry
U.S. Orders Global Embassy Security Reviews After سلسلة of Strikes on Diplomatic Sites
Washington State Intensifies Push to Make Housing More Affordable for Families
Investor Crackdown in Washington Raises Fears of a New U.S. Housing Downturn
Washington Monument Temporarily Closed After Vehicle Set Ablaze Near Landmark
US Official Resigns Over Iran Conflict, Questions Immediacy of Threat
Gulf States Confront Limits of U.S. Protection as Regional War Intensifies
UK Security Adviser Viewed US-Iran Nuclear Deal as Within Reach Before Sudden Escalation
Trump Declares U.S. Military Independence, Criticises NATO and Australia Over Iran Conflict
Trump Says US Asked China to Delay Beijing Summit With Xi by ‘a Month or So’
×