Storm Alfred leaves thousands without power in Queensland

Sharjah 24 – WAM: Hundreds of thousands of people in Australia's Queensland state were without power on Sunday after Storm Alfred, a downgraded tropical cyclone, brought damaging winds and heavy rains, sparking flood warnings.

Gold Coast worst hit area

Around 316,540 people in Queensland's southeast were affected, with the Gold Coast city being the worst-hit, leaving over 112,000 without power, according to energy distributor Energex.

Storm reaches Queensland coast

The storm, which weakened from a cyclone into a "tropical low" after 16 days, reached the Queensland coast on Saturday, prompting preparations among millions of residents. The state capital, Brisbane, was spared the worst of the storm, although it also impacted neighboring New South Wales.

Prime Minister’s warning

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated on Sunday that the situation in Queensland and northern New South Wales remains "very serious" due to flash flooding and strong winds. He also warned that heavy rainfall, damaging winds, and coastal surf impacts are expected to continue over the coming days.