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North Queensland is continuing to be struck by flooding as the federal government widens its financial aid to support more inundated towns.
Minor to major flood warnings have been issued from Cairns to Rockhampton today after an unrelenting deluge that saw up to 153mm of rainfall in parts of the region.
Herbert River, Haughton River, Cape River, Upper Burdekin and Lower Burdekin Rivers and Flinders River are facing major flooding today.
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Burdekin local disaster management group has issued an emergency warning for its flood in Giru, telling residents to move to higher ground now.
The current flood level is at 2.93m but could reach 3m today.
The federal government has today extended personal hardship payments to areas in Charters Towers and more parts of the Cassowary Coast in its latest round of financial assistance for flood-hit areas.
These include grants of $180 for individuals and up to $900 for families of five or more to cover the costs of emergency essentials like food, clothing and medicine.
Cook and Douglas Councils are also now eligible Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
"The threat of this severe weather system remains with us, and while it does we'll keep activating the support Queenslanders require," Federal Emergency Management Minister Jenny McAllister said.
In the 24 hours to 9am today, South Townsville saw the highest level of rainfall at 153mm, followed by Giru with 147mm and Gainsford with 143mm.
Prairie saw 134mm of rainfall in that time and Haughton Bridge saw 125mm.
As much as 250mm of rain is expected to fall this weekend in cities and towns that are already suffering from floods, including Townsville, Cardwell and Ingham.
The rain is expected to ease by Monday.
It's been over a week since North Queensland first became impacted by floodwaters, with extra SES volunteers, police and water rescue teams deployed to help keep the community safe.
Two people have died and communities have been left with scarce food and water.
Authorities have been working to restore power supply and service for those cut off.
