Queensland Fire and Emergency Services assistant commissioner Michael O’Neill said Halifax was isolated late last night and floodwaters in the Ingham area were continuing to rise.

The Bureau of Meteorology said that a record flood peak if around 9m is possible for the Murray River at Murray Flats this afternoon and the Tully River at Euramo is currently at 8.88m and rising.

The river level at Euramo is expected to peak near the major flood level of 9m, close to the February 2009 flood peak of 9.04m.

Heavy rainfall around the Far North has caused localised flooding around Cairns and more road closures including reports of trees down and landslides on Cape Tribulation Road.

Foxton Bridge at Mossman is closed and the Mossman crossing is about to be closed due to flooding.

EARLIER: A GROUP of Townsville students on school camp in north Queensland have been isolated as heavy rains continue to cut off towns in the region.

Eight teachers and 72 Year 6 students from The Willows State School are trapped at the Echo Creek adventure park after roads between Cairns and Townsville were swamped by 200-250mm of rain over the past 24 hours.

A parent told the Townville Bulletin the children were supposed to return Wednesday morning but were still flooded in this morning.

The Willows State School P&C issued an urgent message overnight.

“Please be reminded that the co-ordination of the camp situation is in the hands of the Disaster Management Team and Experts on the ground ready to act when they can,” a Willows State School P&C spokesman said.

“Our student safety and responses to this situation are being co-ordinated by local Disaster Management and Queensland Police Service.”

A Queensland Police spokesman said the group was safe and in constant contact with authorities.

Emergency services won’t attempt to rescue them due to safety risks, but were this morning preparing to provide them with food supplies.

The spokesman said a father of one of the children had driven through floodwaters and attempted to paddle a canoe to the group yesterday, but had later turned back.

In a message to parents yesterday, the school’s principal, Helen McCullough, said staying at the site was the safest option.

Amazing photos of North Queensland floods

“We know that parents would like to talk with students, however at this stage we need the telephone communications open for the team to contact the camp,” she wrote on the school’s Facebook page.

“Students and staff are continuing to do activities and there is plenty of food supplies available.”

Education Minister Grace Grace thanked police, emergency services, teachers and staff who are caring for the students.

“I am advised that every effort is being made to comfort students who have been unable to leave the Echo Creek Adventure Camp because of flooding,” Minister Grace said.

“The camp is safe and the students, eight staff and a parent there have food and shelter. Police are currently working to resupply them with food and other necessities.”

Ms Grace said she had been assured by police that the party would be moved as soon as it was safe to do so.

“The latest information I have received is that floodwaters are expected to recede over the next 48 hours.”

Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford added his thanks to all those involved.

“The safety and wellbeing of the children is the top priority and the situation is being monitored constantly,” he said.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services assistant commissioner Michael O’Neill said the QFES had conducted at least four rescues this morning, assisting people to evacuate from flooded areas.

“The State Emergency Service has had 12 jobs including a variety of jobs to help the community prepare,” he said.

Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Ramon Jayo has warned residents the town could be isolated for some days safety must be taken seriously.

Ingham school kids were sent home early yesterday, as locals stripped supermarket shelves of essential supplies.

Reporter Chris Lees is on the scene and said no one was going anywhere.

“The town is cut in half and there are about 18 firefighters – with half on each side of the town,” he said.

Flood waters have crept across suburban streets and into backyards, lapping at the front steps of homes.

“I had a look out the window at about four o’clock and there was nothing in the yard that I could see,” Ingham resident Felix Scerri told the ABC.

“I’ve just woken up in the last few minutes and there is water everywhere I can see.”

At least 14 schools and one child care centre in north and far north Queensland remain closed today.

Major flood warnings remain in place for the Herbert, Tully, Murray, North Johnstone, Mulgrave, Russell and Flinders rivers. Moderate and minor flood warnings are in place for many other rivers in the region.

Authorities are pleading with motorists not to cross flooded roads.

Yesterday, Cairns tradie Sam Greenwood staged a heroic rescue of a motorist caught in a car that was floating away on the Gillies Highway.

The electrician dived into the water and swam to the vehicle, finding a man inside struggling to keep his head above the water.