Cyclone Alfred’s Aftermath: Torrential Rain and Flooding Devastate Australia’s East Coast
The remnants of Cyclone Alfred have unleashed torrential rain and severe flooding across Australia’s east coast, causing significant disruptions. As of Monday, over 190,000 homes and businesses remain without power, while emergency services battle flash flooding and major river flooding.
The tropical depression, which made landfall on Saturday, has severely impacted a 400-kilometre stretch of coastline between Queensland and New South Wales. The system, which weakened from a Category 2 tropical cyclone to a depression, has persisted for five days, with intense rainfall continuing to cause havoc.
The heavy rains and flooding have already claimed one life—a 61-year-old man who was swept off a bridge in northern New South Wales on Friday. Despite attempts to cling to a tree branch, he was overwhelmed by the swift waters and his body was found the next day.
In addition to the tragic fatality, a separate incident on Saturday saw 13 soldiers injured when two army trucks rolled over during a deployment to help clear roads near the flood-affected city of Lismore. While most soldiers were released from the hospital by Monday, one remains in stable condition.
In Brisbane, Queensland’s capital city, the Bureau of Meteorology reported that 30 cm (1 foot) of rain fell in just 24 hours. Some streets in Brisbane were submerged, leaving cars stranded in floodwaters, particularly in the worst-hit areas. The flooding has been widespread, with flash floods and river flooding still a significant risk.
Utility companies reported that more than 185,000 homes and businesses in Queensland were still without power, with an additional 10,000 in New South Wales affected. Efforts to restore power are ongoing, with helicopters being used to survey remote areas and assess damage to infrastructure.
Despite the easing of the wind and rain, severe weather and flooding warnings remain in place across much of the region. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese cautioned against complacency, emphasizing that the situation is far from over. He spoke during a press conference in the flood-hit city of Lismore, urging residents to remain vigilant.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns confirmed that the weather pattern remains unpredictable, and more rainfall is expected in the next 24 hours. However, evacuation notices have been lifted for most areas, although authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
The ongoing storm aftermath underscores the intensity of the weather system, with the remnants of Cyclone Alfred continuing to bring significant rainfall and flooding risks. Emergency responders, utility companies, and local authorities are working tirelessly to restore normalcy. However, with more rain predicted, recovery efforts may take additional time, and residents are urged to stay informed and prepared.
The floodwaters have not only affected daily life but also sparked fears of further damage as the weather system continues to make its way through the region. Despite the challenges, communities remain resilient, supporting one another in the face of this devastating natural event.
