Severe Impact of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred on Queensland and NSW
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred struck south-east Queensland and northern NSW, causing severe weather, flooding, and fatalities. A 61-year-old man died after being swept away in floodwaters. Thousands of homes remain without power, and emergency services are working diligently to aid those affected. The threat from the cyclone is not yet over, with more adverse weather on the way. Public transport and airports are beginning to resume operations as conditions improve.
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred made landfall near Brisbane and Maroochydore at 9 PM Queensland time on Saturday, unleashing heavy rain, gale force winds, and the potential for flash flooding across south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as the severe weather system has not yet subsided but has been downgraded to a tropical low. The Daily Mail Australia is providing live updates on the ongoing weather event.
Tragically, a 61-year-old man named Tom Cook, often referred to as Cookie, has been identified as a fatality resulting from flooding near Dorrigo, NSW. Mr. Cook was swept away when his vehicle fell into floodwaters at Megan and though he climbed a tree to escape, he could not be rescued in time. His former neighbor expressed shock and sadness over his passing, recalling his friendly demeanor. The Prime Minister expressed condolences, calling the news tragic.
Astounding footage captured the moment a roof was torn off a residence in Brighton as winds from Alfred battered the area. Despite being downgraded, the cyclone continued to generate damaging weather conditions, with wind gusts recorded at 100 km/h. Emergency services report significant damage in regions, including Redcliffe, exacerbating ongoing issues from the storm’s approach.
According to Jonathan How from the Bureau of Meteorology, the threat presented by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred persists and could last until Tuesday or Wednesday. Major flood risks are present for regions experiencing heavy rains, with warnings issued for potential flooding in towns such as Moree, Tamworth, and Naribri. Residents are urged to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary to navigate flooded roads safely.
As floodwaters rise, thousands of individuals remain unable to return home after evacuations. The search for Mr. Cook illustrates the dangers posed by floodwaters, given his efforts to seek safety in a tree after abandoning his vehicle. In response to the disaster, essential services began to resume on Sunday, including public transport and limited access to local shops and service stations. Brisbane and Gold Coast airports anticipate resuming normal flight operations as conditions permit.
Despite the downgrade, the severe weather continues to affect the area, with extensive power outages impacting over 330,000 homes as of Sunday. Energex reports significant outages in Queensland, particularly along the Gold Coast and in Brisbane. Defence personnel assisting in relief efforts also suffered injuries in a truck accident, underscoring the havoc wreaked by the cyclone, particularly near Lismore.
In a statement, Defence indicated that while 13 members were injured in the accident involving two trucks, additional personnel were affected, although their injuries were not detailed. Emergency services continue to prioritize assistance for those impacted. This unfortunate event serves as a reminder of the significant challenges faced during natural disasters and the resilience required to navigate them.
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred brought significant destruction and loss in south-east Queensland and northern NSW, resulting in fatalities and extensive power outages. The impact of the cyclone has highlighted the need for ongoing caution as recovery efforts and emergency services work to support affected communities. Local residents are urged to remain vigilant as further rain and flooding are anticipated in the coming days, emphasizing the critical status of emergency responses and recovery strategies.
Original Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
