Torrential rain from the remnants of Cyclone Alfred flooded large areas along Australia’s east coast on Monday, causing widespread disruption. A 400‐kilometre stretch of coastline across Queensland and New South Wales received heavy rainfall, with Brisbane recording nearly 30 centimetres in 24 hours. The downpour led to flash flooding, submerging streets and stranding vehicles, while authorities issued severe weather warnings for the region.
Rescue Operations and Widespread Blackouts
Emergency services in Queensland rushed to the scene, rescuing 17 people from fast-moving floodwaters. Utility companies reported that over 210,000 homes and businesses in Queensland, and an additional 10,000 in New South Wales, remain without power as crews work tirelessly to restore electricity. In New South Wales, Essential Energy is actively conducting repairs, including vegetation removal, re-standing power poles, and replacing damaged electrical assets.
Additional Incidents and Ongoing Response
The severe weather has also claimed at least one life. In northern New South Wales, a 61-year-old man’s four-wheel-drive was swept off a bridge during the flooding, and his body was recovered the following day. In a related incident near Lismore, 13 soldiers were injured when two army trucks rolled over during a road clearance operation. Although most troops have been discharged from hospital, one soldier remains under treatment in stable condition.
