Cyclone Alfred Causes Devastating Flooding Across Eastern Australia

GOLD COAST, Australia — Authorities have confirmed the recovery of a body from floodwaters and reported injuries to 13 military personnel following wild weather from Cyclone Alfred, which struck Australia’s eastern coast over the weekend. The cyclone, downgraded to a tropical low, made landfall near Brisbane on Saturday evening, leading to widespread power outages and significant property damage.

The storm was initially classified as a category 2 cyclone but weakened as it moved inland, affecting southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales (NSW). More than 300,000 properties lost power as fierce winds and heavy rains caused trees and power lines to fall. Emergency services are currently engaged in recovery efforts, with over 1,000 schools closed and public transport suspended.

Police reported finding the body of a 61-year-old man in northern NSW who had gone missing after his vehicle was swept into floodwaters. The man had managed to escape his car and climb a tree near the riverbank, but was swept away by the current before rescuers could reach him.
“It’s believed the body found is that of the missing man,” police stated.

In a separate incident, 13 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel were injured in a convoy crash near the city of Lismore. Defense Minister Matt Keogh confirmed one truck overturned while navigating a narrow road, resulting in another truck colliding with it. Although the ADF crews were deployed to assist in rescue operations, many are now recovering in the hospital.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised the ADF personnel, expressing concern for the injured and urging all Australians in the storm’s path to remain vigilant. “Our ADF heroes were on their way to help Australians in need,” Albanese said.

As the storm’s remnants continued to bring torrential rains to the already flood-prone areas, Premier Chris Minns of NSW warned residents not to become complacent. His statements implored communities to stay alert as significant flooding was still anticipated over the coming days.

Residents in Brisbane were fortunate to avoid the worst of the storm, with many waking to find the cyclone downgraded to a tropical low, but conditions remained severe across other parts of southeastern Queensland and northern NSW. Local officials noted damage to the beach infrastructure, particularly on the Gold Coast, where paths to the beach have become impassable due to erosion.

Utility companies, including Energex and Essential Energy, reported ongoing power outages, advising customers they may face days without electricity as recovery work is complicated by rising waters and debris. Furthermore, Queensland’s Essential Energy reported over 268,000 properties in their service area alone without power.

Storm conditions have led to emergency evacuations and disruptions in several communities. Acting Mayor of Gold Coast, Donna Gates, urged residents to use common sense while navigating the aftermath, cautioning them to stay away from damaged infrastructure. As clean-up operations begin, authorities stress that dangers persist with ongoing adverse weather conditions.

“This emergency is not over,” emphasized Chris Minns. “Heavy rainfall is forecasted to continue, putting additional stress on our already vulnerable river systems and flood zones.”

The aftermath of Cyclone Alfred highlights both the ongoing threat of natural disasters and the resilience of affected communities as they brace for further weather challenges.