Natural disasters
Know your risk
There are many ways to get official information from the Cairns Disaster Group before, during and after an emergency.
Make a plan
Sound preparation is key to weathering any natural disaster. Use our template to create your own Household Emergency Plan.
Pack a kit
Can you survive five days without electricity and tap water? Your Household Emergency Kit will be your lifeline if a disaster impacts services and supply lines.
Cyclones
If a cyclone strikes, your best and most comfortable option is to shelter at home or with friends or family outside the region.
Storm surge
If a storm surge is expected as part of a cyclone, residents in storm surge areas may be advised to evacuate. Find out if you are in a storm surge zone.
Flooding
The Cairns region can be subject to flooding due to heavy rainfall. This shouldn't be confused with storm surge associated with a cyclone.
Flood cameras
Flood cameras have been installed at Peets Bridge (Goldsborough Valley), throughout the Redlynch Valley, at Ryan Weare Park (Freshwater) and the Moody Creek and McKinnon Creek detention basins to provide accurate information on current flood levels.
Sandbags
Correct use of sandbags and other flood mitigation devices may reduce the amount of water that enters your property during severe weather.
Emergency Action Plans
Read Council's Copperlode Falls Dam and detention basin Emergency Action Plans.
How Can I Help?
If you want to contribute to disaster recovery efforts, several organisations are available for you to contact and provide further assistance.
Last Updated: 31 March 2026
Latest News > All News
Lots on for Cairns Festival's final weekend
With Cairns Festival heading into its final weekend, residents and visitors have plenty of opportunities to experience live music, theatre,...
4 September 2026
King tides expected in Cairns from Sunday
King tides are expected to affect Cairns from Sunday 6 September to Friday 11 September....
4 September 2026
Funding available for Cairns creatives
A regional breaking bootcamp that connected young people with leading dance instructors from across Australia and Japan is one example...
4 September 2026