stranded motorists and emergency rescues across the Gold Coast and Scenic Rim. Severe rainfall has caused widespread flooding and multiple emergency rescues across the Gold Coast and Scenic Rim after intense overnight storms dumped more than a month’s worth of rain across the region. The heaviest falls were recorded at Springbrook with 205mm, while Molendinar received 173mm, Tallai recorded 147mm and Southport saw more than 153mm.

Emergency crews carried out around ten swift-water rescues, including at Illinbah where a woman was swept from her vehicle and forced to cling to a tree before being rescued by the Queensland Fire Department. Almost 50 students and teachers from North Lakes State College also became stranded by floodwaters during a school camp near Mount Barney before being safely evacuated by boat. Additional rescues took place in Mudgeeraba and Tallebudgera as vehicles became trapped in rising floodwaters.

The SES responded to more than 320 calls for assistance across south-east Queensland, including over 100 on the Gold Coast alone. Flood warnings remain active for the Nerang River, Pimpama River, Coomera River, Mudgeeraba Creek and Currumbin Creek as authorities continue monitoring minor to moderate flooding conditions.