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February 1, 2026 - Flooding in Northern Queensland
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A strong tropical low battered northern Queensland in late January 2026, swelling rivers and triggering severe flooding across low-lying regions.
Flood inundation prompted multiple evacuations in remote towns after heavy rainfall caused rapid river rise and dam releases, according to the Australian Broadcasting Company (ABC). Three people were rescued from their cars near the small town of Greenvale after Expedition Creek flooded, while several property owners were evacuated in the Etheridge Shire, northwest of Greenvale. In addition, ABC reported that about six helicopters had been used to evacuate people from flooded farms along the Gilbert River. Roads and property suffered significant damage in the town of Einasleigh after the nearby Copper Dam spilled floodwaters.
The flooding, which began by January 27 across much of the region, prompted the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) to post flood warnings across the state. These included major flood warnings for the Lower Flinders River and Murray River, and moderate flood warnings for the Upper Flinders River, Herbert River, Cooper Creek and Eyre Creek. Lowland flooding is expected to continue for several days as rain-swollen rivers in the hill lands continue to pour water downstream.
The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Terra satellite acquired this true-color image of flooding in northern Queensland on January 30. The area suffering from the most severe flooding lies near the center of the image. The spectacular and dense streaks of tan in the west mark many sediment-laden rivers and ephemeral channels that were overflowing with fresh rainwater.
Image Facts
Satellite:
Terra
Date Acquired: 1/30/2026
Resolutions:
1km (54.6 KB), 500m (145.3 KB), 250m (166.4 KB)
Bands Used: 1,4,3
Image Credit:
MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA GSFC
A strong tropical low battered northern Queensland in late January 2026, swelling rivers and triggering severe flooding across low-lying regions.
Flood inundation prompted multiple evacuations in remote towns after heavy rainfall caused rapid river rise and dam releases, according to the Australian Broadcasting Company (ABC). Three people were rescued from their cars near the small town of Greenvale after Expedition Creek flooded, while several property owners were evacuated in the Etheridge Shire, northwest of Greenvale. In addition, ABC reported that about six helicopters had been used to evacuate people from flooded farms along the Gilbert River. Roads and property suffered significant damage in the town of Einasleigh after the nearby Copper Dam spilled floodwaters.
The flooding, which began by January 27 across much of the region, prompted the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) to post flood warnings across the state. These included major flood warnings for the Lower Flinders River and Murray River, and moderate flood warnings for the Upper Flinders River, Herbert River, Cooper Creek and Eyre Creek. Lowland flooding is expected to continue for several days as rain-swollen rivers in the hill lands continue to pour water downstream.
The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Terra satellite acquired this true-color image of flooding in northern Queensland on January 30. The area suffering from the most severe flooding lies near the center of the image. The spectacular and dense streaks of tan in the west mark many sediment-laden rivers and ephemeral channels that were overflowing with fresh rainwater.
Image Facts
Satellite:
Terra
Date Acquired: 1/30/2026
Resolutions:
1km (54.6 KB), 500m (145.3 KB), 250m (166.4 KB)
Bands Used: 1,4,3
Image Credit:
MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA GSFC
