Janice R. Andrews
Authorities in Australia have ordered mass evacuations along the eastern coast as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches, bringing threats of severe flooding, power outages, and transport disruptions. The Category 2 storm, located 125 kilometers east of Brisbane, is expected to make landfall on Saturday, impacting millions of residents across Queensland and New South Wales.
With winds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour and heavy rainfall, Cyclone Alfred has already left 80,000 homes without power and caused rivers to swell. Over 400 millimeters of rain have drenched parts of New South Wales in the past two days, prompting flood warnings and the closure of more than 1,000 schools. Public transport in Brisbane has been suspended, and airports in the region have shut down as the storm intensifies.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged residents to “prepare for the worst,” emphasizing the importance of safety. “When nature does its worst, Australians are at our best. We rally, we lift each other up, and we look out for our neighbors,” he said during a press conference. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli echoed the warning, noting that evacuation centers have been opened as a last resort.
The slow-moving storm has proven difficult to track, but it is expected to hit north of Brisbane, a city of over 2 million people. Around 4 million residents live along the 400-kilometer stretch of coastline likely to be affected.
Despite evacuation orders, some residents have ignored warnings, with surfers seen riding choppy waves amid dangerous conditions. Officials have stressed the importance of staying indoors and avoiding unnecessary risks. “This isn’t a time for sightseeing or experiencing these conditions firsthand,” Albanese cautioned.
Cyclones are rare in southern Australia, making Alfred an unusual and alarming event. Climatologists warn that such extreme weather events, including cyclones, floods, and wildfires, will become more frequent and intense due to the climate crisis.
As the nation braces for Cyclone Alfred’s impact, the focus remains on ensuring safety and minimizing damage. Residents are advised to stay updated on official warnings and follow evacuation orders to protect lives and property.
