Cyclone Alfred Ravages Queensland and NSW, Causing Floods, One Death, and Leaving 120,000 Without Power
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Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has wreaked havoc along Australia's east coast, particularly affecting Queensland and New South Wales. The storm, which lasted 16 days and made landfall as a tropical low, has caused widespread power outages, with more than 300,000 properties initially losing electricity. As of the latest reports, over 120,000 homes and businesses remain without power across the two states.
The cyclone has led to severe flooding, with torrential rains causing flash floods in regions including Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Lockyer Valley. Rainfall totals have been significant, with 15 inches recorded in Queensland and up to 40 inches in some areas of Southeast Queensland. One person has been confirmed dead due to the flooding, and 13 soldiers were injured. The storm's impact has also resulted in the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents, with emergency services conducting numerous rescues, including in Queensland where people were stranded in floodwaters.
Significant beach erosion has been reported, particularly at Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, where millions of cubic meters of sand were swept away. The storm has also disrupted travel, with flights canceled and airports temporarily closed. Additionally, the impacts of Cyclone Alfred have revealed a 130-year-old shipwreck on a beach in Queensland. Sharks have been spotted in flooded canals, and authorities have warned of the presence of snakes and spiders in the floodwaters.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the activation of the Disaster Recovery Allowance to assist those affected by the floods, offering $180 for individuals and $900 for families. The aftermath of Cyclone Alfred continues to pose challenges, with ongoing efforts to restore power to 450,000 properties, aiming for 75% by Wednesday, 95% by Friday, and the remaining by Sunday. Specific rainfall totals include 471mm in Kangaroo Point, 355mm in Brisbane Airport, 487mm in Coolangatta, 346mm in Hervey Bay, 381mm in Lismore Airport, and 371mm in Grafton Airport. Authorities have warned of potential further rainfall in the coming days, and residents are advised to remain cautious as the region recovers from this significant weather event.
Tropical storm “Alfred” swept across the east coast of Australia and caused severe floods. The storm has abated, but dangers still lurk. Sharks were spotted in the floods, and authorities are also warning of snakes and spiders. https://t.co/eNu59wBsZo
🇦🇺🛟 Emergency crews in #Australia worked to rescue people stranded in #floodwaters on Monday in the wake of ex-tropical #CycloneAlfred
#cyclone #flooding #flood https://t.co/fO11sv7Baa
A ship that was driven ashore during a powerful storm more than 130 years ago in Australia was recently uncovered because of impacts from Tropical Cyclone Alfred. https://t.co/Q7rb078b64
