Thunderous rapids and landslides turn holiday paradise into war zone

The flood damage bill is climbing in Far North Queensland, putting the spotlight on an insurance nightmare for devastated families and tourism operators.

In Ellis Beach, thunderous rapids and landslides have turned the holiday paradise into a war zone.

The idyllic beachside town is barely recognisable after destructive landslides left the community virtually cut off.

"[It] Went from happy we dodged the cyclone to we're getting flooded, all happened pretty quick," Ellis Beach Surf Life Saving Club director Dave Donnelly said.

Ellis Beach Holiday Park owner Tom Hedley has lived in the area all his life and never experienced anything like this.

"It's come down the hill and just gone right through the place you know," he said.

" … You could hear the thunder of those rocks just coming down that hill."

One of two roads into the park has been totally washed away.

Hedley said it would take up to a month to repair.

The other road remained closed to the public, leaving 50 Christmas bookings hanging in the balance.

Further north near Wujal Wujal, there is more destruction.

There were more evacuations today with 260 people now safely flown out of the isolated community.

There are still grave fears for an 85-year-old man now missing for four days from neighbouring Degarra.

"We will continue searching," Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said.

Close to 2600 homes have been assessed so far and close to half will require significant repairs.

More than 2800 insurance claims have been launched.

Energy crews are working to restore power to 100 per cent of homes and businesses by Christmas Eve but repairs to critical infrastructure are likely to drag on well into the new year.

On the Cape York Peninsula, communities are bracing for major flooding in coming days

Kowanyama is next in the firing line, with peaks expected to move through from Saturday through to Monday next week.