Queensland rain: Daintree River beats 118 year flood record cutting off hundreds

Residents in Queensland’s far north are being urged to brace themselves as the area is pelted with relentless rain.

There have been landslides and flash flooding and stranded land animals thanks to the deluge of heavy rain.

Some areas received 400ml of rain in just 24 hours, with the worst hit areas including Port Douglas and the Daintree.

Areas around Cardwell and the Whitsunday Islands also receieved up to 180mm of rain in just one night.

The Daintree River has recorded its highest ever flood level since 1901, leaving hundreds cut off.

The river peaked at midnight on Saturday at 12.6m. That was high enough to submerge power lines, roads and properties.

The river level is now dropping but the weather bureau says the tropical low will continue dumping heavy rain in the far north over the coming days.

The forecast is for storms and showers all week.

A severe weather warning has been issued for a large stretch of the coast between Cairns and the Whitsundays and the adjacent inland area.

In Cairns, a number of rescues have been carried out as drivers were swept away in their cars, thankfully there have been no major injuries.

“It really is a serious matter, you’ve got a good chance of losing your life – being washed off a creek or a bridge of a road,” said Geoff Sheldon from Queensland police.

"It's a constant worry that people aren't heeding the warnings," he added. 

"If it's flooded forget it," warned Ms Sheldon.