The "catastrophic failure" of Ollera Creek Bridge has cut a critical route to flooded communities who may now have to rely on helicopters to deliver supplies.

The devastating floods gripping Far North Queensland is taking its toll on the racing community, with as many as 10 racetracks in the region hit hard by the freak event.

More extreme rainfall and higher frequencies of flooded rivers and flash floods around the world have a clear link to climate change and ongoing global heating.

Authorities are warning deadly flooding in northern Queensland is expected to worsen. More than a metre of rain has fallen between Townsville and Innisfail in the past five days due to a slow-moving monsoon trough.