Heavy rains could isolate communities in Queensland and NSW

Authorities warn that extreme weather could leave communities in Queensland and NSW cut off for weeks as flooding intensifies.

Submerged street signs are seen as floodwaters rise toward the levee walls holding back the Wilsons River in Lismore, northern New South Wales, on March 9, 2025. Photo by David Gray/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Authorities have warned that heavy rains in Queensland and New South Wales (NSW) could leave communities isolated for weeks, as flooding continues to impact large parts of eastern Australia. Emergency services are urging residents to prepare for prolonged isolation, with some areas expected to remain cut off for more than a month.

Torrential rains trigger widespread flooding

Over the past 24 hours, rainfall of up to 210 millimeters per hour has been recorded in parts of NSW, including Currarong, a small coastal fishing and tourist village in the Shoalhaven region. According to local broadcaster SBS News, these extreme downpours have caused rivers to swell and low-lying areas to flood.

Although the rain is expected to ease in the coming days, authorities remain concerned about the long-term impact, particularly in western NSW.

"Communities along the Paroo and Warrego Rivers... could be in isolation for up to six weeks," said NSW State Emergency Service deputy commissioner Deb Platz. "So we need you now to start preparing for that isolation."

Emergency response efforts underway

With many areas already submerged, authorities have deployed helicopters, high-alert vehicles, and volunteers to assist those stranded by floodwaters. Emergency services are working around the clock to rescue residents and deliver supplies to hard-to-reach communities.

Despite these efforts, officials are urging people to remain vigilant and take precautions as the situation develops.

"While we are doing everything possible to assist those affected, we need communities to understand the risks and take necessary steps to stay safe," Platz added.

More rain on the way for NSW

New South Wales is expected to face another bout of heavy rain on Wednesday, with forecasts predicting significant downpours in the northeast and the northern Mid-North Coast. This could further exacerbate the flooding situation, making recovery efforts even more challenging.

The ongoing severe weather has already led to dangerous conditions across the state. Emergency services are currently searching for an elderly man who was swept away by floodwaters, with authorities fearing the worst. Additionally, 22 campsites on the Mid-North Coast have been completely cut off due to rising waters.

Queensland communities airlifted to safety

In Queensland, the situation remains dire, with dozens of residents in outback areas being airlifted to safety as floodwaters engulf towns and rural properties.

Authorities have described the current weather pattern as one of the most intense in recent years, warning that further evacuations may be necessary. Many regions remain on high alert as rivers continue to rise, posing a serious threat to communities already affected by the floods.

Long-term impacts and recovery challenges

The extensive flooding is expected to have lasting consequences for affected communities, with infrastructure damage, road closures, and disrupted supply chains likely to persist for weeks. Many residents will face significant challenges in rebuilding their lives once the floodwaters recede.

With climate change contributing to more frequent and intense weather events, experts are calling for improved flood preparedness and long-term strategies to mitigate future disasters.

For now, authorities are focused on immediate response efforts, urging people to stay informed and follow official advice as the extreme weather continues.