Devastation Across Eastern Australia as Cyclone Leaves Hundreds of Thousands Without Power

Wed Nov 12 2025 21:46:20 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Emergency services respond as cyclone-induced floods ravage southeastern Queensland and northern New South Wales.

As Cyclone Alfred wreaks havoc on Australia's east coast, communities face severe flooding and widespread power outages, prompting urgent rescue efforts and safety warnings from officials.

Hundreds of thousands of Australians are facing prolonged power outages following a cyclone that unleashed destructive weather across the eastern seaboard. Communities in southeastern Queensland and northern New South Wales (NSW) commenced their cleanup on Sunday after Cyclone Alfred triggered extensive flooding and downed power infrastructure.

Tragically, search efforts led to the recovery of a 61-year-old man's body on Saturday, who was last seen escaping his inundated car near Dorrigo. Additionally, twelve soldiers required hospitalization following a crash during their convoy, which was engaged in rescue operations in the flood-stricken region.

Though the storm weakened as it approached Brisbane on Saturday night, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese cautioned residents about ongoing hazardous weather conditions. He stated, "The situation in Queensland and northern New South Wales remains very serious due to flash flooding and heavy winds," while forecasting further heavy rainfall in the upcoming days.

Maintaining pressure over its validity, Cyclone Alfred, originally classified as a category two cyclone, dwindled into a tropical depression on Saturday. As of Sunday evening, emergency services reported over a dozen rescues across Queensland and NSW, primarily targeting individuals trapped by the rising floodwaters in vehicles or within their homes. The NSW State Emergency Service noted an overwhelming response, receiving upwards of 6,000 calls for assistance.

The cyclone's impact has left almost 290,000 properties affected, with energy companies indicating that many residents might be forced to manage without power for several days.

In the Gold Coast region, authorities reported beach erosion as a consequence of the storm's high winds and heavy rainfall. As recovery efforts continue, the focus remains on the well-being of affected residents and the speedy recovery of injured personnel involved in rescue missions.

Reflecting on the situation, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns expressed his wish for a swift recovery for the soldiers affected. So far, Queensland police indicate no fatalities or missing persons have been reported in the state due to this severe weather event.