Australia Weather News

While many south-east Queenslanders remain in the grip of severe weather caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, others are assessing the damage.

As recovery efforts get underway, experts are warning that plenty of threats remain.

Floodwaters, disease, fallen powerlines, treacherous beaches and psychological distress pose an ongoing risk in disaster-ravaged communities.

Heavy rainfall is continuing to cause flash and riverine flooding.

Queensland Health has warned entering floodwaters poses a health risk.

It says sharks, snakes and spiders have been seen in floodwater, along with sharp objects and other debris.

Floodwaters may be contaminated by sewage, chemicals and waste, leading to a higher infection risk.

Authorities have repeatedly called for people not to drive in floodwater.

"We've not had any loss of life from this weather event and I'd be really keen to keep it that way," State Disaster coordinator Shane Chelepy said.

Soil-borne disease

As water levels recede, doctors warn a new danger could be lurking.

Melioidosis is a rare tropical soil-borne disease that can emerge after periods of heavy rain and flooding.

There has been an enormous spike in cases and deaths in North Queensland in the aftermath of recent wet weather.

Michael Clements from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners said the disease was typically associated with northern Australia, but south-east Queensland was not immune.

"The risk is that when people are cleaning up and getting cuts and scratches on their legs, sometimes they're wearing thongs instead of protective footwear, melioidosis can enter their skin," he said.

"We know tetanus can show up in these times, so people will need tetanus boosters if they're exposed to cuts and puncture wounds while they're in the mud."

Authorities say anyone involved in the flood clean up should wear protective clothing and shoes, and consider wearing a mask when using a high-pressure hose around soil.

"We want them to respect the mud, essentially," Dr Clements said.

Fallen power lines

Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has caused the most significant power outages from a natural disaster in Queensland's history.

The system has brought down hundreds of powerlines across the south-east and Energex is urging people to treat all fallen lines as if they are live and dangerous.

It says people should report the damage and stay at least 10 metres away.

As Energex crews scramble to restore power to hundreds of thousands of households, many residents are relying on generators.

Authorities warn that poses its own risk.

Two adults and two children were taken to hospital on the Gold Coast at the weekend suffering carbon monoxide poisoning after running a generator indoors.

Authorities say generators should always be run outside and kept dry.

Ocean conditions

The cyclone whipped up enormous waves along the coastline and Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) said the situation remained treacherous.

"We've got very messy conditions — unfortunately polluted water, a lot of debris in the water and a lot of beaches with no access," SLSQ Gold Coast operations manager Nathan Fife said.

He said he expected Gold Coast beaches to remain closed until at least the weekend.

Big swells have caused extreme erosion — in some cases causing sharp, eight-metre drops.

Mr Fife said the eroded dunes were also at risk of collapsing under people.

"We can't get life saving services or emergency teams down there to help people if they do get into trouble, so we're just warning people, please stay well away," he said.

Most beaches on the Sunshine Coast are closed and Dr Clements encouraged people to stay out of sea foam.

"We do tend to see, during these flooding times, more chemicals, more fertilisers, more oils, more nasty things, being flushed out of those river systems into the ocean, and then the foam stirs that up and holds onto it," he said.

Psychological toll

Natural disasters can have psychological impacts that linger long after the severe weather dissipates.

Queensland Health says reactions can include feeling overwhelmed, numb or detached, an inability to focus or plan ahead, intrusive memories and trouble sleeping.

Brisbane psychologist Rachel Hannam has encouraged people to make a "self-care plan" for the next few days to manage their emotional wellbeing.

She said exercising, connecting with friends and reading could be beneficial.

"It's understandable that people are feeling upset, lonely, anxious … so self-compassion is really important," Dr Hannam said.

Queensland Health says maintaining a routine, doing things that help you relax, talking about your feelings and setting realistic goals can also help in the aftermath of a disaster.