Crisafulli said conditions were unlike anything northern Queensland had experienced “for a long time”.

“It’s not just the intensity, but it’s also the longevity of it,” he told Australian broadcaster ABC.

The woman who died was onboard a State Emergency Service (SES) dinghy which hit a tree and capsized in the town of Ingham.

It is understood she was a member of the public who was being rescued at the time, and was not an emergency worker. The other five people on board were able to get to safety. An investigation has been launched.

Meanwhile, three people were rescued from the roof of a house in Cardwell, about halfway between Cairns and Townsville.

Video has emerged showing a man clinging to a pole in Ingham after his vehicle was washed away – and being taken to safety by locals in a boat.

The Townsville Local Disaster Management Group says that 2,000 homes in the city may be inundated – some up to the second floor – as river levels rise.

Thousands of people across six Townsville suburbs were told to leave their homes by midday on Sunday, but officials say about 10% of residents had opted to stay.