In brief
With more than 300,000 homes experiencing outages, Tropical Storm Alfred has wreaked havoc on Australia's east coast, leading to severe flooding and extensive damage as local authorities urge residents to evacuate or stay indoors.
More than 300,000 properties across Queensland and New South Wales are currently without power as Tropical Storm Alfred approaches Australia's east coast, dumping heavy rain and unleashing violent winds. Initially classified as a cyclone, Alfred has since been downgraded to a tropical low; however, local authorities stress that the threat remains significant.As the storm nears landfall, it has downed trees and power lines, leading to flooded roads in low-lying areas. The storm is expected to make landfall close to Brisbane before moving further inland later on Saturday. Tens of thousands of residents have been advised to evacuate from areas projected to be impacted by the storm, while others are urged to stay indoors for safety.Approximately four million people are at risk in southeastern Queensland and northern New South Wales, with numerous weather warnings issued. Emergency services are collaborating with energy companies, warning residents that some may be without power for several days. In southeast Queensland alone, around 287,000 customers face outages, while over 42,600 homes are affected in New South Wales according to local energy providers.Chaos unfolded in Brisbane as residents prepared for the expected deluge, only to awaken to reports that the worst part of the storm had been confined away from the city. However, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese cautioned that "the worst is yet to come," particularly along the Gold Coast, where extreme weather conditions continue, including heavy rainfall and strong winds.Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales, stressed the importance of remaining vigilant, emphasizing that, despite the downgrade of the storm, it is crucial not to become complacent. As parts of the region anticipate continued flooding over the coming days, nearly 1,000 schools have closed, and public transport has been suspended, including airport operations, which are unlikely to resume before Sunday.Amid the turmoil, many individuals from Brisbane's homeless community are seeking shelter, with Emmanuel City Mission serving as a 24-hour refuge. Reports have surfaced of significant property damage, such as a gum tree falling between two cabins at Treasure Island Holiday Park on the Gold Coast, and a boat found partially submerged in nearby canals.As fierce winds and relentless rain persist, residents cautiously begin assessing the damage, but many choose to remain indoors to prioritize safety as clean-up efforts are deferred until weather conditions improve. The coastlines have also seen significant erosion, leading to hazardous pathways once accessible to beachgoers. The approaching storm has left a lasting impact and continues to pose serious challenges for affected communities in Australia.
