Emergency services are responding to rising floodwaters and extensive damage across Queensland and New South Wales.
Cyclone Causes Catastrophic Blackouts and Flooding in Eastern Australia
Cyclone Causes Catastrophic Blackouts and Flooding in Eastern Australia
Severe weather leaves thousands in the dark as communities grapple with devastation.
Thousands are left powerless in eastern Australia after Cyclone Alfred unleashed chaotic weather conditions across the region. Communities in southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales are starting to recover from the storm that resulted in significant flooding, toppled power lines, and uprooted trees.
On Saturday, rescue teams discovered the body of a 61-year-old man who had been swept away by the flooding. Meanwhile, a convoy of soldiers headed for rescue efforts encountered an accident, leaving 12 servicemen hospitalized.
Despite the cyclone weakening into a tropical depression by the time it made landfall near Brisbane late Saturday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued warnings regarding ongoing risks of severe weather conditions and flooding. Albanese noted, "The situation in Queensland and northern New South Wales remains very serious due to flash flooding and heavy winds."
Heavy rainfall and high winds are anticipated to linger for several days, further complicating recovery efforts. Cyclone Alfred spent several days off the coast as a category two storm before its downgrade.
By Sunday evening, emergency services reported completing numerous rescues, primarily helping individuals trapped in vehicles or homes as waters rose. The New South Wales State Emergency Service received over 6,000 calls for assistance, reflecting the urgency of the situation.
As the crisis unfolds, nearly 290,000 properties continue to experience power outages, with energy providers cautioning that some residents may be without electricity for days.
The body of the missing man was found in Dorrigo, NSW; he had reportedly attempted to escape his vehicle by climbing onto a tree near rising floodwaters. Meanwhile, the soldiers involved in the convoy crash remained hospitalized, with two in serious condition, prompting New South Wales Premier Chris Minns to express his hopes for a swift recovery.
Recently, Queensland authorities reported no fatalities or missing persons despite the widespread weather impacts, but the need for caution remains paramount as heavy weather conditions persist across the affected areas.
