By Sohaib Shams
A man has died after being found unresponsive in floodwaters following a period of intense rainfall across Queensland. Emergency services were called to Smothering Creek on Boompa Road, located on the Fraser Coast, shortly after 11 a.m. on Monday. Queensland police confirmed the man was dead at the scene and have launched an investigation, with a report to be prepared for the coroner.
Emergency Rescues and Flooding Impact
The extreme weather system, which brought multiple storms and days of heavy rain, also prompted a rescue operation in the Southern Downs. Swiftwater crews from Queensland Fire and Rescue successfully rescued six campers—three men and two women—who became stranded at a public campground in Leyburn. While the group was rescued without incident, no physical injuries were reported.
Torrential downpours between Thursday and Monday have left numerous rivers and roads submerged across the southern and eastern parts of the state. Flash flooding has specifically impacted Laidley Creek and Glenore Grove in the Lockyer Valley, resulting in road closures. Meteorologist Angus Hines described the weather system as unusual, driven by significant activity in the higher atmosphere.
Significant Rainfall Totals and Ongoing Warnings
Extreme precipitation totals have been recorded across various regions. Blackdown Tableland near Rockhampton saw 439.4mm of rain over four days, while Lower Springbrook near the Gold Coast recorded 325.2mm. Nambour near the Sunshine Coast and Brooweena also experienced heavy rainfall, with totals of 314.2mm and 299.6mm respectively.
Flood warnings remain active for several waterways, including Warrill Creek, the Bremer River, the Macintyre and Moonie rivers, and the Mary River. In Western Queensland, alerts are in place for the Warrego, Bulloo, and Barcoo rivers. The Bureau of Meteorology expects weather conditions to transition toward more typical spring patterns, with hot and humid days expected later in the week.
