Australian Defence Force personnel in Queensland to help with COVID measures have turned their attention to flood rescues. Two Australian Army MRH-90 Taipan helicopters from the School of Army Aviation, based at Oakey near Toowoomba, have been involved in search and rescue operations since Friday evening. The helicopters are crewed by Australian Army personnel and Defence contractors. Aircrews are continuing to conduct rescues under extremely difficult weather conditions and an additional ADF personnel are on standby and making preparations to further support efforts at the direction of the State Government. READ MORE: Meanwhile, Mud Armies are mobilising to clean up south-east Queensland. There is no clear guess at the overall cost of the damage, but it is estimated to run into billions of dollars, and insurers have already received 31,000 claims from the region and flood-hit northern NSW. With more than 15,000 homes and businesses damaged, many Brisbanites are keen to pitch in again like they did with the first Mud Army after floods 11 years ago. "I have revived the renowned Mud Army from the 2011 flood so we can coordinate the clean-up together and ensure people don't get left behind," Cr Schrinner said.