Deadly floodwaters triggered by record rainfall in Australia’s northeast rose for a third day Monday as authorities warned flood-stricken communities to brace themselves for further destruction.

Record-breaking floods across north Queensland have now turned deadly, with one woman drowning while being rescued on Sunday morning. And the floodwaters are still rising, with rain set to continue.

The atmospheric factors behind north Queensland's deadly floods are very similar to recent floods in the region — and climate change is likely playing a role.

Australian authorities warned that a major flood risk will persist in the northeastern state of Queensland despite torrential rain easing on Monday ().

Heavy Queensland flooding has claimed a second life, after the body of an elderly woman was discovered. Floodwaters are set to wreak more havoc with heavy rain to continue in the north. Some residents have been allowed to return home though with river levels in Townsville beginning to drop.