Severe flooding and power outages continue to impact eastern Australia after Tropical Cyclone Alfred was downgraded to a rain storm. Hundreds of homes remain without electricity, and a search is underway for a missing man believed to have been swept away by floodwaters.
Flooding Fears Persist in Eastern Australia as Former Cyclone Alfred Lingers
Flooding Fears Persist in Eastern Australia as Former Cyclone Alfred Lingers
Former Tropical Cyclone Alfred has left eastern Australia grappling with power outages and severe flooding risks, prompting emergency responses.
One person is unaccounted for, and many communities, particularly along New South Wales' Northern Rivers region, face significant flooding threats despite former Tropical Cyclone Alfred weakening. Heavy rains continue to pour, with local officials emphasizing that the emergency is ongoing.
On Saturday, parts of eastern Australia faced dangerous conditions as the remnants of Alfred approached the coast, contributing to extreme weather conditions characterized by continuous rain and winds. Brisbane is reported to have largely avoided the storm's brunt, but further south, heavy downpours inundated regions like Dorrigo, where over 10 inches fell overnight.
The premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns, confirmed that emergency services were mobilizing to find a man who went missing after his vehicle was swept away. Witness accounts shared that he managed to reach a tree but was ultimately claimed by flooding before rescuers could reach him.
Over 300,000 residents experienced power disruptions as the storm's aftereffects lingered. Emergency teams reported over 30 rescues in a single day, primarily aiding individuals stranded in vehicles attempting to navigate flooded streets.
Moreover, many areas remain under evacuation orders as forecasters warn that the persistent heavy rain could result in levee breaches, significantly complicating recovery efforts. The city of Lismore, which suffered severe flooding in 2022, is again under threat as officials take precautions against potential inundation.
Premier Minns indicated that authorities are preparing for a coordinated recovery, tasked with preventing the kind of delays and criticisms faced after the previous flooding events. Community resilience and support have been highlighted as essential for recovery in the wake of this latest natural disaster.
