Category 2 Cyclone Alfred has persisted off the east coast of Australia, setting mass precautions underway in Queensland and New South Wales. Originally timed to make landfall early on Friday, the Bureau of Meteorology now reports that it should arrive in Brisbane on Saturday.
Important safety measures have been taken by the authorities. Brisbane Airport has been closed, with Virgin Australia and Qantas cancelling flights. The public transport of Brisbane is cancelled too. Over 1,000 schools in southeastern Queensland and 250 in northern New South Wales are closed. Houses are being sandbagged, and 310,000 sandbags have been provided in Brisbane. Evacuations have been ordered in flood-threatened areas.
The decelerated cyclone threatens extreme rain—800mm or more in some areas—resulting in potential flash flooding. Wind gusts are a possibility at 150 km/h, with 12.3-meter waves already reported off the Gold Coast. The storm has caused power outages, with thousands of homes in areas like Southport experiencing electricity disruptions.
Defence force aid has been promised by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, but residents have been warned to stay vigilant and keep an eye on official warnings. It is the first time in over 50 years that a cyclone of this scale has threatened Brisbane.
According to the 2021 Australian Bureau of Statistics Census, there are approximately 2,140 individuals in New South Wales who were born in Malta. As of now, there are no specific reports detailing the impact of Cyclone Alfred on the Maltese community in New South Wales. However, the cyclone has affected several local government areas, including Ballina Shire, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Kempsey Shire, Lord Howe Island, MidCoast, Nambucca Valley, and Richmond Valley.
Residents in these areas have been advised to prepare for increased winds, heavy rainfall, and large swells, with potential for damaging winds, coastal erosion, and major flooding.
Photos: Reuters
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