Thousands of residents in eastern Australia have been ordered to evacuate as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches, bringing heavy rain, massive waves, and strong winds. The storm, expected to make landfall on Saturday as a Category 2 cyclone, is moving toward the coast near Brisbane, Australia’s third-largest city. Authorities have expressed concern that Alfred’s slow progress could prolong the heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of floods and widespread damage.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli urged residents in the cyclone’s path to have evacuation plans and advised them to secure their homes before leaving. Evacuation centers have been opened, though Crisafulli emphasized they should be used only as a last resort. “If in doubt, go and stay with friends and families,” he said during a press conference.
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The storm has already caused significant disruption, with wind gusts of over 100 kph (62 mph) cutting off power to more than 80,000 homes, primarily in Queensland and New South Wales. Beaches have been swamped, power lines snapped, and airports shut, including Brisbane Airport, which suspended operations on Thursday.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued a strong warning to residents, urging them to stay indoors and avoid the dangerous coastal areas. He announced that 120 defense personnel would be deployed to assist with rescue and relief efforts. Albanese emphasized, “This isn’t a time for sightseeing… please stay safe.”
The cyclone has also caused flooding in northern New South Wales, with more than 400 mm (16 inches) of rain reported in the last 48 hours. Businesses and residents are scrambling to protect their properties, with many recalling the devastation from previous floods. Thomas Gough, a business owner in Lismore, expressed frustration over the recurring natural disasters, saying, “It feels like we have one-in-100-year events every five years.”
Alfred is described as a “rare event” for Brisbane, a city that has not experienced a direct cyclone hit since 1974.
