The Mackay region is experiencing extreme rainfall, with some areas recording up to 700mm in 48 hours, making back roads impassable and risking islanding towns for days to months.

Emergency demand is soaring, with 158 requests for help to the State Emergency Service between Sunday and Monday afternoon.

While the system is breaking up, major flood warnings persist for several rivers and catchments, and there’s a continued risk of heavy rainfall in the north-west.

Clermont and nearby areas have seen rapid water level rises, prompting residents like Ashleigh Brieffies to prepare for possible evacuations by boat or helicopter as 250mm-plus of rain has fallen over recent days.

Authorities anticipate the need for helicopter and possibly military-assisted drops to deliver essentials—generator fuel, milk, bread, and medical supplies—to cut-off communities.

Richmond, located between Mount Isa and Townsville, is forecast to receive up to 100mm of rain over the next three days, heightening concerns about further flood impacts and cattle losses.

Several towns, including Eungella, Pinnacle, Gargett, and Dysart, are marooned or at risk due to damaged roads, landslides, and loss of potable water.

Central Queensland is in the grip of extreme flooding from ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji, with torrential rain isolating communities for potentially months.