Australia has experienced a period of extensive and often record-breaking rainfall, driven by multiple tropical low-pressure systems and a strengthening monsoon trough.
These weather events have led to widespread flash and riverine flooding across Queensland, the Northern Territory, South Australia, New South Wales, and Victoria, prompting evacuations, significant infrastructure damage, and extensive rescue operations.
Several areas have reported rainfall totals equivalent to or exceeding annual averages within days, causing severe disruptions to communities and agricultural sectors.
Tropical Activity and Landfall in Queensland
In late February, a tropical low, designated 12U and later named Koji, formed in the Coral Sea. Forecasters initially indicated a moderate to high probability of it developing into a Category 1 cyclone. Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji subsequently made landfall between Ayr and Bowen in North Queensland in early March, having weakened from a Category Two system to below tropical cyclone intensity. The system brought heavy rainfall, with localized totals of up to 350 millimeters, and wind gusts up to 100 kilometers per hour. This resulted in flash flooding and riverine flooding in affected areas, leading to road closures and power outages. Major flood warnings were issued for river systems including the Herbert, Haughton, and Pioneer.
Subsequently, a disorganised tropical low, 29U, approached Queensland's North Tropical Coast, making landfall near Innisfail. Although it did not reach tropical cyclone intensity, it delivered significant rainfall, with some areas of the Daintree region recording over 400 millimeters in 24 hours. The heavy rain caused the Daintree Ferry to break its moorings and other vessels to be damaged or lost. Floodwaters extended south, impacting Capricornia and Wide Bay regions, where residents in Bundaberg were issued evacuation orders as the Burnett River swelled.
Later in March, a new tropical low, 34U, formed in the Coral Sea, with a high probability of intensifying into Tropical Cyclone Narelle. It was predicted to reach Category 1-4 intensity before making landfall near Coen, between Cape Melville and Port Douglas, bringing damaging to destructive wind gusts of up to 200 kilometers per hour and heavy rainfall.
Across Queensland, significant rainfall totals were recorded, including over 300 millimeters in parts of the Central Highlands and over 200 millimeters in the Townsville region within 24 hours. Mount Isa recorded its wettest February on record with over 319 millimeters of rain, leading to Lake Moondarra overflowing for the first time in 14 years. Flooding caused major disruptions to the Bruce Highway and rail lines, and stranded transport trucks.
The agricultural sector reported substantial losses, with estimates of missing or deceased livestock ranging from 16,450 to 24,200 head, in addition to extensive damage to fencing and private roads.
Isolated communities in the Gulf Country, such as Normanton and Karumba, faced prolonged isolation for up to 10 weeks, relying on barge systems for essential supplies.
Northern Territory Experiences Multiple Major Floods
The Northern Territory's Top End experienced an unusually active wet season, culminating in multiple major flood events, particularly in Katherine and Daly River.
Katherine
The Katherine River reached 19.2 meters in early March, its highest level since 1998, resulting in major flooding. Katherine Hospital was evacuated, with patients transferred to Darwin, and a temporary emergency department was established. The town's CBD levee was overwhelmed, inundating homes, businesses, and leading to widespread power outages and sewerage disruptions. Hundreds of residents sought shelter in evacuation centers.
Following this, the town faced a second major flood threat from the remnants of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle. A field hospital was re-established, and thousands of sandbags were distributed as the river was again forecast to potentially reach major flood levels.
Clean-up efforts have since begun, with Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel assisting in clearing flood-affected properties. Boil water alerts were issued for Katherine and surrounding communities due to compromised water infrastructure.
Daly River (Nauiyu)
The remote community of Daly River (Nauiyu) experienced two major flood evacuations within weeks. Initially, approximately 450 residents were moved to Darwin in early March.
After their return, rising floodwaters necessitated a second, urgent evacuation, with river levels exceeding 14.8 meters and approaching the 1998 record of 16.25 meters. All buildings in Daly River were reported to be underwater, some up to their roofs. The river was anticipated to remain at major flood levels for an extended period, prolonging the residents' displacement.
Darwin Region
The Darwin River Dam, a primary water source for Darwin, experienced substantial flooding at its pump station, leading to its temporary disconnection from service. This prompted a boil water alert for Greater Darwin and requests for water conservation. Operations at the dam were later restored. Rural areas around Darwin also experienced significant rainfall and localized flooding, affecting homes and road networks.
Other Communities
Palumpa and Jilkminggan communities were also evacuated, with residents relocated to Darwin or nearby centers. Beswick residents sheltered in place as the Waterhouse River rose significantly. Throughout the flood events, warnings were issued regarding the presence of crocodiles in floodwaters across the Top End, advising residents to avoid entering inundated areas.
Central and Southern Australia Deluged
A slow-moving low-pressure system, drawing tropical moisture south from the Northern Territory and Simpson Desert, delivered widespread and often record-breaking rainfall across central and southern Australia.
Many arid regions received over half, and in some cases a full year's worth, of their average annual rainfall within a week.
South Australia
The state experienced significant rainfall, with some areas receiving up to 200 millimeters in two days. This led to the closure of the East West rail line (Trans-Australian Railway) due to track washaways up to 100 meters long. Roads north of Port Augusta and in the Flinders Ranges were closed, stranding individuals. Adelaide faced warnings for heavy rain and potential flash flooding. Tragically, a 47-year-old motorcyclist died after being swept into floodwaters in the southern Flinders Ranges.
New South Wales
Greater Sydney recorded over 100 millimeters of rain in three hours, causing flash flooding, over 3,000 power outages, and more than 40 flood rescues. A dozen homes in Western Sydney were evacuated, and major arterial roads were affected. A shark warning was issued for Sydney Harbour due to increased activity in murky waters. Far West NSW also received substantial rainfall, leading to road closures.
Victoria
Storms delivered up to 50 millimeters of rain in some areas, prompting hundreds of calls to the State Emergency Service (SES). Bushfire-affected areas faced an increased risk of landslides and debris flow. Grape growers in regions like Murray Valley experienced crop losses due to excessive water.
Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre
The extensive rainfall across the basin contributed to Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre filling significantly. It is anticipated to reach full capacity for potentially the fourth time in 160 years, with current inflows suggesting levels comparable to, or exceeding, the major 1974 event.
Emergency Response and Recovery Efforts
Emergency services, including the SES, swift water rescue teams, police, ambulance, and ADF personnel, were deployed across affected regions to conduct rescues, evacuations, and assist with infrastructure recovery. Over 1,000 people were evacuated from various communities in Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Both federal and state governments activated disaster assistance payments for affected residents, providing immediate relief, temporary accommodation, and re-establishment assistance for household items. Challenges in accessing these payments were reported in some areas, compounded by infrastructure damage. The Northern Territory government formally requested ADF assistance for the recovery phase.
Scientific data indicates that global surface air temperatures in 2025 averaged 1.48°C above preindustrial levels, identified as the third-hottest year on record. Research indicates that for each 1°C of atmospheric heating, the atmosphere can hold approximately 7% more moisture, contributing to an increased vulnerability to extreme rainfall events.
While some floodwaters began to recede, major flood warnings remained active for several river systems in Queensland and the Northern Territory, with communities continuing to face prolonged recovery efforts and the potential for further rainfall in saturated catchments. Long-range forecasts indicate a potential drying trend from April, with the anticipated development of El Niño later in the year.