Bridge collapse cuts off flooded north Queensland

A crucial bridge on the Bruce Highway, the Ollera Creek Bridge near Rollingstone, has collapsed following intense rainfall over the weekend, cutting off parts of North Queensland.

More than 1,400 millimeters of rain fell in the region, with over 1,000 millimeters hitting Paluma alone. The bridge washout is severely disrupting traffic, with no clear timeline for repairs as heavy rain continues.

Four evacuation centers have opened in Townsville, where residents are awaiting news on potential property damage. The ongoing weather event, which has caused widespread flooding, could lead to more flash floods, prolonging recovery efforts.