Australia’s prime minister Anthony Albanese warned the country that the effects of a strong tropical cyclone were “far from over”, as unsafe floodwaters continued to submerge parts of two states on Monday, despite the wind itself beginning to relieve. Here is all you need to understand about the devastating storm.
The Australian government also announced a disaster recovery income pleasure for communities impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, in a walk to help those facing money lost.
Power outages have affected at least 268, 000 residential and commercial customers in east Queensland, while an extra 12, 500 components in northeast New South Wales remain disconnected from the electric network, according to reports from service providers.
Financial aid
The income provides up to 13 days of financial assistance for qualified employees and sole traders whose earnings have been impacted by the hazard. It is accessible across 14 local government areas in Queensland, including Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast, as well as 17 locations in New South Wales, for as Lismore, Byron, and Port Macquarie-Hastings. People of Lord Howe Island and nearby territories are also available.
In order to qualify, people must live or work in the declared areas and have lost income due to the crisis, with their income falling below the regional average weekly income. Applications open at 2pm ( local time ) on Tuesday, 11 March.
Those interested can check eligibility on the services Australia website and apply online or available through the Australian government’s emergency information line.
Casualty
The cyclone is reported to have claimed at least one life when a 61-year-old man’s vehicle was swept off a bridge in northern New South Wales. Despite clinging to a tree branch, he drowned in floodwaters.
In a separate incident, 13 soldiers were injured when two army trucks rolled over while clearing roads near Lismore. Defence minister Richard Marles confirmed that one has been discharged from hospital, while others remain in stable condition.
As authorities continue rescue and recovery efforts, Australians in affected areas are urged to stay informed and take all necessary precautions.
Devastating aftermath
Meanwhile, the country continues to struggle with the remnants of the cyclone which brought upon torrential rains and mass flooding through a stretch of 400 kilometres of coastline for five days.
At present, more than 190, 000 homes and businesses are stranded powerless as emergency crews work to restore services.
Despite the wind and rain eased, authorities issued a series of flood and severe weather warnings across the region, which straddles Queensland and New South Wales.
Massive rainfall
Queensland capital of Brisbane saw 30 centimetres of rain in just 24 hours, submerging cars and streets across the city. Premier David Crisafulli informed that emergency services rescued 17 people from fast-moving floodwaters overnight.
” Rainfall is leading to flash flooding as well as river flooding in parts of the southeast”, he said, cautioning residents to stay alert, reported by news agency AFP.
Flooding threats
Meteorologists warned that the risk of flash flooding and major river surges remains severe. Jonathan How from the bureau of meteorology explained that the storm, despite moving inland, continues to draw in heavy moisture.
Utility providers reported more than 185, 000 power outages in Queensland and another 10, 000 in New South Wales. Essential Energy confirmed helicopters were being deployed to assess remote damage.
New South Wales premier Chris Minns said the weather pattern remained “unpredictable”, with more rainfall expected in the coming hours. However, most evacuation orders in the state have now been lifted.
