It is quite rare for a single locality to experience two major rain and flood events in any given year or even within the space of 6 weeks. However, this occurred for the Ingham and Townsville region of Queensland over the past few days.
The region surrounding Ingham and Townsville are still counting the losses from the early February rain and flood event with the damage bill still rising and insurance claims still being processed.
It is known that the losses to date are over $1.2 billion and still rising. There were 2 fatalities plus 16 other indirect fatalities from a soil borne disease called melioidosis.
That event is classed as a catastrophe which is still ongoing as cleanup works and repairs continue.
During the period 18 to the 20 March, another significant rain and flood event impacted the region. Some of the rainfall totals are incredible and renewed flooding occurred.
The event was localized to the Ingham and Townsville region and included (All to 9 am on the respective days):
| Location | Rain 18 March | Rain 19 March | Rainfall 20 March |
| Ingham | 125.8 mm | 177.8 mm | 267.4 mm (Total 571 mm over 3 days) |
| Townsville (Airport) | 54 mm | 301.4 mm | 110.6 (Total 466 mm over 3 days. |
Other major totals for March 20 include:
- Cardwell - 453 mm.
- Gairloch - 263 mm.
- AP John Street (Horseshoe Bay) - 236.
- Abergowrie - 203 mm.
The single event for Townsville being 301 mm that fell on March 19 appears to be the heaviest single day rain event for 27 years.
This has setback recovery efforts but at least rainfall has eased to allow the flooding to subside once again.