Australian Regions Gear Up for Tropical Cyclone Alfred
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Synopsis
As tropical cyclone Alfred approaches, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a government response including sandbag distribution and ADF standby. Severe weather is expected, impacting Queensland and NSW, with heavy rainfall and school closures.
Key Takeaways
- 250,000 sandbags dispatched to Queensland.
- Australian Defense Force on standby.
- Cyclone Alfred to hit Brisbane and Gold Coast.
- Heavy rainfall and flooding predicted.
- Over 900 schools closed in Queensland.
Sydney, March 5 (NationPress) Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated on Wednesday that the government is dispatching 250,000 sandbags to Queensland from the national stockpile as the Australian Defense Force is on standby, anticipating the arrival of severe tropical cyclone Alfred.
A variety of actions are being implemented, including the pre-deployment of heavy-lift helicopters from the National Aerial Firefighting Fleet and activating the Australian Government Disaster Response Plan, Albanese informed the press.
Cyclone Alfred is predicted to strike between Brisbane and the Gold Coast on Thursday night, bringing with it significant flooding, strong winds, and perilous ocean conditions, along with heavy to intense rainfall throughout southeast Queensland from Thursday to Saturday, according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM).
Residents in southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales (NSW) are preparing for the cyclone, which is expected to be the most severe event since 1974.
Weather predictions indicate daily rainfall totals ranging from 200 mm to 400 mm, with a possibility of exceeding 800 mm during the storm's duration.
Residents are urged to take appropriate safety measures as flooding and hazardous conditions are foreseen.
Numerous support efforts are in motion in response to the looming cyclone, such as establishing evacuation centers, providing real-time updates via the Queensland disaster dashboard, and declaring an emergency for childcare to support services and families in 15 affected local government areas.
As of 3:52 p.m. local time on Wednesday, over 900 schools in Queensland have closed, as per the state’s education department. Additionally, public transport services and non-urgent medical procedures will be paused on Thursday and Friday, according to officials.
The NSW education department reported that at 3:29 p.m. local time, 122 public schools and five independent schools are currently closed and will remain so until at least March 7 due to cyclone Alfred.
Authorities have determined that wind speeds of 90 km/h will trigger road and bridge closures, as reported by Xinhua.
Millions of residents have been warned to brace for power outages that could last at least three days.
Australia's major airline, Qantas Group, announced on Wednesday that several flights to and from Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour, and Ballina will be suspended at least until midday or afternoon on Thursday.
Meanwhile, flights to and from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast are operating as scheduled.
