Cyclone Alfred has left devastation along Australia’s east coast as it wreaked havoc, resulting in extensive flooding and significant power outages. In southeastern Queensland and northern New South Wales (NSW), communities are rallying for clean-up efforts while coping with dangerous conditions.
As of Sunday, around 290,000 properties were still without power, and Energy companies warn that blackouts might continue for days. Tragically, a 61-year-old man was found dead in floodwaters on Saturday after attempting to escape his car.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese cautioned the public, stating, "The situation in Queensland and northern New South Wales remains very serious due to flash flooding and heavy winds." Emergency services have responded to more than 6,000 distress calls while also rescuing individuals stranded by the waters.
Cyclone Alfred initially hovered as a category two cyclone before dwindling to a tropical depression as it made landfall near Brisbane. As the weather conditions sadly led to a convoy crash, 12 soldiers are now hospitalized, with two reported in serious condition.
While Queensland manages to report no fatalities linked to the weather event, the struggle continues for communities trying to regain normalcy amidst the chaos brought by the storm.
