in many affected areas the flooding would have been worse had the weather prior to the heavy rains not been so dry. in the 24 hours to 5 am on 27 january the queensland state emergency service logged more than 800 requests for assistance. an exclusion zone was set up by police in bundaberg north because damaged buildings and infrastructure posed significant safety risks. it wasn't until 2 february before limited access was granted for around 1,000 residents.