A cyclone has wreaked havoc on eastern Australia, resulting in devastating flash floods and power outages for nearly 290,000 properties. As communities begin the recovery process after the storm, numerous rescues have been conducted, with authorities warning of ongoing severe weather impacts.
Cyclone Aftermath: Widespread Power Outages and Flash Flooding in Eastern Australia
Cyclone Aftermath: Widespread Power Outages and Flash Flooding in Eastern Australia
Severe weather conditions in Brisbane and northern New South Wales have left hundreds of thousands without power as communities face extensive flooding and recovery efforts.
In the wake of Cyclone Alfred, a category two cyclone that recently made landfall near Brisbane, hundreds of thousands of residents in eastern Australia, particularly in southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales (NSW), are grappling with massive power outages and severe flooding. In a tragic incident, the body of a 61-year-old man was discovered in floodwaters, highlighting the storm’s deadly impact.
As the cyclone weakened into a tropical depression on Saturday night, it left behind considerable chaos, with many communities already starting their clean-up efforts on Sunday. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese cautioned citizens about the continuing threats posed by adverse weather conditions, predicting further heavy rainfall and destructive winds over the upcoming days.
Emergency services in Queensland and NSW reported responding to over 6,000 calls for help, most relating to individuals trapped in their vehicles or homes. As a result of the storm, emergency responders have conducted at least a dozen rescues. Power outages severed electricity to almost 290,000 properties, with utility companies cautioning residents to prepare for prolonged blackouts while repair efforts are underway.
Concern escalated after the police confirmed the recovery of a body believed to be that of a man who had gone missing after his vehicle was caught in rising floodwaters. In another harrowing event, a convoy of soldiers engaged in rescue operations crashed in Lismore, leading to injuries for 12 service members, with two reported as being in a serious condition, according to NSW Premier Chris Minns.
So far, authorities in Queensland have not reported any fatalities, indicating a slight silver lining in the continuing adverse conditions. As communities brace for the lingering effects of the storm, the full extent of the damage and ongoing recovery efforts will unfold in the days to come.
