Cyclone Alfred: Australia Braces for Landfall
Cyclone Alert Issued for East Coast
Violent winds toppled power lines on Friday as Tropical Cyclone Alfred inched towards Australia’s eastern coast, sparking evacuation orders and leaving more than 50,000 homes without electricity.
Cyclone’s Progress
Tropical Cyclone Alfred was 165km east of Brisbane city on Friday morning, crawling towards the densely populated coastline at "walking speed," government forecasts said. Some four million people were in the firing line along a 400km stretch of coastline straddling the border of Queensland state and New South Wales.
Evacuation Orders Issued
Emergency response officials said they had issued evacuation orders for some 10,000 people in the flood-prone northern rivers region of New South Wales. There was particular concern for the town of Lismore, which was engulfed by record 14m floodwaters after heavy rains in 2022.
Residents Prepare for the Worst
Many residents have spent the past three days fortifying their homes with sandbags, tying down loose furniture and stocking up on food and water. "A lot of people are feeling a bit anxious, for sure, because we don’t know what’s going to happen," said Paul Farrow from Coolangatta, a coastal suburb better known for its sun-splashed beaches.
Weather Warnings
Drenching rains, "destructive" wind gusts, and "abnormally high tides" would pummel the coast as it crept nearer, the bureau said. More than 900 schools across Queensland state and neighbouring parts of northern New South Wales were closed on Friday, education department officials said.
Climate Change Concerns
Researchers have repeatedly warned that climate change amplifies the risk of natural disasters such as bushfires, floods, and cyclones. Alfred would be the first to make landfall in that part of Australia since 1974, the Bureau of Meteorology said.
Conclusion
As Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches the Australian coast, residents are bracing for the worst. With thousands facing evacuation orders and over 50,000 homes without power, the situation is becoming increasingly dire. It is crucial for authorities to stay vigilant and take necessary measures to ensure public safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current status of Tropical Cyclone Alfred?
A: As of Friday morning, Tropical Cyclone Alfred was 165km east of Brisbane city, crawling towards the densely populated coastline at "walking speed."
Q: How many people are affected by the cyclone?
A: Some four million people are in the firing line along a 400km stretch of coastline straddling the border of Queensland state and New South Wales.
Q: What are the weather warnings in place?
A: Drenching rains, "destructive" wind gusts, and "abnormally high tides" are expected to pummel the coast as the cyclone approaches.
Q: How many schools are closed due to the cyclone?
A: More than 900 schools across Queensland state and neighbouring parts of northern New South Wales are closed on Friday, education department officials said.