Severe weather conditions in Australia have left hundreds of thousands of residents without electricity after a powerful cyclone wreaked havoc along the east coast. Communities in southeastern Queensland and northern New South Wales (NSW) began the arduous task of cleaning up on Sunday following extensive flooding that downed power lines and uprooted trees.
Tragically, a 61-year-old man was found deceased in the floodwaters on Saturday. Additionally, 12 soldiers were hospitalized after their convoy was involved in a crash while responding to rescue operations. Despite the storm weakening significantly upon making landfall near Brisbane on Saturday night, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged local residents to remain vigilant in the face of ongoing severe weather and potential flooding risks.
Continued risks and emergency responses
“The situation in Queensland and northern New South Wales remains very serious due to flash flooding and heavy winds,” Albanese stated. “Heavy rainfall, damaging wind gusts, and coastal surf impacts are expected to continue over the coming days.”
Cyclone Alfred had lingered off the east coast as a category two cyclone before diminishing into a tropical depression on Saturday. By Sunday evening, emergency services had conducted over a dozen rescues across Queensland and NSW, with most involving individuals trapped by rising floodwaters in their vehicles or homes. The NSW State Emergency Service reported receiving an overwhelming number of over 6,000 calls for assistance.
Widespread power outages and ongoing search efforts
Approximately 290,000 properties remain without power in the affected areas, with energy companies warning that these blackouts may last for several days. Meanwhile, in a tragic turn of events, police confirmed that the body of the 61-year-old man was discovered after he went missing in Dorrigo, northern NSW, when his vehicle became submerged in floodwaters. Eyewitnesses reported seeing him escape his car and climb onto a tree by the riverbank; however, rescuers were unable to reach him in time.
In a separate incident on Saturday, the convoy crash involving the soldiers occurred in Lismore, roughly 200 km south of Brisbane, while they were en route to assist in rescue efforts. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns informed the press that the injured soldiers remained hospitalized on Sunday, with two in serious condition. “We wish a speedy recovery for all of those young soldiers,” he expressed.
As of now, Queensland police have reported no fatalities or missing persons linked to the recent weather events. The situation continues to develop, with emergency services on high alert as they navigate the challenges posed by the ongoing storm conditions.