A woman has died in Australia and thousands have been forced to flee their homes after torrential rainfall caused flooding in northern Queensland. Authorities say waters will continue to rise and have warned of a "dangerous and life-threatening" situation.

One person has died and thousands of others are under evacuation orders in Australia’s northeast after intense rain triggered dangerous flash floods that have inundated homes and businesses.

One person died on Sunday in Australia's north Queensland state in heavy flooding, authorities said, urging thousands of people to move to higher ground because of torrential rains.

The warning has been issued as tropical lows cause widespread rainfall around north Queensland, leading to warnings of dangerous and life-threatening flooding reaching up to two-storey floors after a days-long deluge.

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.

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.