Heavy rains from Ex-cyclone Alfred continue to wreak havoc across Queensland, with thousands stranded and floodwaters rising

Queensland remains in crisis mode as ex-tropical cyclone Alfred’s relentless downpours leave large swathes of the state underwater. Lockyer Valley, Ipswich, and Brisbane have borne the brunt, with entire neighbourhoods submerged, roads cut off, and insurance claims soaring past 22,000.

Authorities are now releasing water from Wivenhoe Dam to prevent further flooding, though officials insist it won’t worsen existing conditions. But for many, the damage is already done—countless homes are inundated, businesses devastated, and emergency services stretched thin.

In Brisbane, a 58-year-old woman was charged after driving into floodwaters, despite repeated warnings. Meanwhile, Queensland Police released footage of motorists needing dramatic rescues from raging torrents.

With Easter holidays looming, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has urged Australians not to cancel their Queensland travel plans, warning of a financial catastrophe for small businesses reliant on tourism.

Brisbane’s bus network is set to resume normal operations on Wednesday, easing some of the disruption. Meanwhile, councils are offering $7,500 relief payments to struggling community clubs, as Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner calls for a “ute army” of volunteers to help with the massive clean-up effort.

As floodwaters slowly recede, Queenslanders are left counting the cost—but with more storms forecast, the nightmare may not be over yet.