By Gill Bikram Singh 
A massive clean-up effort is underway in Queensland after Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred left more than 270,000 homes and businesses without power, while residents of northern New South Wales remain on high alert for severe flooding.
Power Outages and Rescue Operations
Despite being downgraded to a tropical low on Saturday, Alfred has caused widespread destruction. Another 43,000 properties in NSW are without electricity, and emergency crews have conducted at least 30 rescues, including a search for a 61-year-old man swept off a bridge by raging floodwaters near Dorrigo. The man remains missing.
Authorities Warn of Ongoing Danger
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged residents to remain vigilant, warning that the storm’s impact is far from over. “If it’s flooded, forget it,” he said, adding that disaster payments would be made available for affected communities.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli described the widespread power outages as the “biggest loss we have seen in over a decade.” Officials estimate that full restoration of power could take more than a week, with hospitals and essential infrastructure being prioritized.
Evacuations and Flood Risks
About 20,000 people in northern NSW remain under evacuation warnings, with 740 people seeking refuge in evacuation centers by Saturday morning. The Wilson River catchment has recorded over 200mm of rain in 24 hours, raising fears of major flooding.
Although Lismore’s CBD levee held on Saturday afternoon, authorities warn that heavy rainfall could still trigger dangerous flood levels in coming days. Emergency services are closely monitoring river catchments across southeast Queensland and northern NSW.
Continued Weather Threats
Strong winds exceeding 100km/h have been recorded on the Gold Coast, and meteorologists warn that severe weather could persist for an extended period. While emergency warnings in Queensland have been downgraded, officials urge residents to stay indoors.
Flights at regional airports are expected to resume by Sunday, but hundreds of schools in northern NSW will remain closed on Monday. Queensland authorities will provide an update on school closures soon.
As floodwaters continue to rise, authorities stress that the danger is far from over, and residents are urged to stay prepared for further weather-related disruptions.