January 5, 2026

Floods in northern Queensland, Australia, lead to massive losses of livestock

More than 16,000 head of livestock in northern Queensland, Australia, have been reported lost or missing as the region braces for further rainfall and river levels continue to rise.

Townsville copped the brunt of the rainfall overnight with more than 200 mm recorded in the 24 hours to 9am on January 5 as the system moved over the state's north-east coast after dumping more than a metre of rain in some areas of the north-west over the last few days.

The Queensland government's current estimate of around 16,450 head of cattle reported lost or missing could still increase when floodwaters recede.

Meteorologist Miriam Bradbury from the Bureau of Meteorology said there was currently flooding across western and northern parts of Queensland, pushing towards the north-east coast.

"Even in these places where the rain might start to ease off, we will continue to see riverine flooding," she said.

"We may also see possible further rises with the arrival of upstream flows."

- 9 News