Ollera Creek Bridge collapse cuts key transport route in Queensland’s worst floods in 60 years, Australia
The Ollera Creek Bridge, a critical section of the Bruce Highway, was destroyed over the weekend, severing a key transport link in Queensland amid the state’s worst flooding in 60 years. The floods have claimed the life of at least one person after a rescue boat capsized and have inundated thousands of homes and numerous roads across the region.
Drone shot of the floods in Queensland. Image credit: Queensland Fire Department
The Ollera Creek Bridge, a critical link along the Bruce Highway located between Townsville and Ingham, collapsed over the weekend as northern Queensland endured its worst flooding in 60 years, severing a critical transport and supply route.
Torrential rain and rising floodwaters also washed away a section of the highway, which spans 1 600 km (995 miles) and serves as the region’s main connection for freight, emergency services, and travel.
In the town of Ingham, a 63-year-old woman lost her life when a rescue dinghy capsized after colliding with a submerged tree. Despite efforts to save her, she was swept away by the floodwaters, while five others were successfully rescued.
The widespread flooding has inundated over 1 700 homes, submerged major roads, and forced mass evacuations across Townsville, Ingham, and Cardwell.
Emergency authorities have ordered thousands to evacuate as heavy rainfall continues, with rivers exceeding capacity and communities facing worsening conditions.
Since Friday, January 31, some areas in northern Queensland have received over six months’ worth of rain in just three days, with total rainfall exceeding 1 300 mm (51.2 inches) in some locations. Some locations, such as Paluma, recorded over 1 000 mm (23.6 incheS) in just 48 hours
In a 24-hour period leading up to Sunday, February 2, more than 600 mm (23.6 inches) of rain fell in parts of the state, overwhelming rivers and drainage systems. The extreme deluge has led to major flooding from the Central Coast to Cairns, with authorities issuing flood warnings for the Herbert, Ingham, Ross, and Bohle Rivers.
The sheer volume of rain has triggered flash floods, road closures, and power outages, with mobile networks failing in many regions, leaving thousands cut off from communication.
The State Emergency Service (SES) reported receiving over 480 emergency calls overnight and conducting 11 swift water rescues. However, officials warned that the number of people in need could be significantly higher due to communication blackouts in some areas.
As of Monday, February 3, flooding persisted from the Central Coast to Cairns, with major flooding also affecting the Cassowary Coast. Authorities issued flood warnings across the region, particularly for areas around the Herbert and Ingham Rivers, as well as the Ross and Bohle Rivers in Townsville.
Isolated heavy rainfall remains a risk across northeast Queensland into Tuesday, February 4, as major flooding continues due to overflowing rivers.
References:
1 Australia Floods: 1 Dead & Thousands Evacuated As Floodwater Rises; Airport Shut Down & Travel Alert Issued – Curly Tales – February 3, 2025
2 Crucial highway cut off as Australian floods worsen – BBC – February 3, 2025
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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