Moderate Flood Warning Issued for Haughton River and Giru in Queensland

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Moderate Flood Warning (IDQ20740) for the Haughton River Catchment. This is the second warning issued for this event, following moderate rainfall observed across the catchment since Friday morning.

Affected Areas

The warning primarily affects the Haughton River catchment in Queensland. Specific locations under observation include:

• Giru: Moderate flooding is likely to develop.
• Mt Piccaninny: Currently experiencing minor flooding.
• Major Creek and the Powerline river gauge areas.

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected areas are advised to follow these safety protocols:

• Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater as it is dangerous.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan travel to avoid flooded roads.
• Monitor the ABC and local media for updates as the situation can change quickly.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.
• Visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings for local emergency management advice.

Expected Conditions

Moderate flooding is expected to develop at Giru from late Saturday afternoon into the evening. As of 3:50 pm AEST Saturday, the Haughton River at Giru was recorded at 1.88 meters and rising. It is forecast to peak near the moderate flood level of 2.10 meters. Further rises are possible as upstream flows arrive from Major Creek (recorded at 5.42m and rising) and the Powerline gauge (recorded at 5.05m and rising). At Mt Piccaninny, the river was at 2.90 meters and falling as of 3:50 pm Saturday.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 4:13 pm AEST on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Moderate flooding is expected to begin late Saturday afternoon and continue into the evening. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 9:00 am AEST on Sunday, March 8, 2026.