Queenslanders are facing significant challenges as thousands remain without power nearly a week after Cyclone Alfred wreaked havoc, with damage described as “sobering.” State-owned power company Energex has reported that the destruction across the Gold Coast, its hinterlands, and the Scenic Rim is so extensive that restoring service resembles a network replacement rather than mere repairs.
Many residents have been without electricity since last Thursday and may not be reconnected until Sunday or Monday. As of recent updates, around 40,000 of the 450,000 homes and businesses affected by the cyclone remain offline, despite efforts to restore service for 35,000 customers in the Brisbane area and the Moreton Bay islands over the previous day.
The severity of the damage in regions like the Tallebudgera Valley has led Energex officials to describe the situation as critical. Repair efforts in some areas highlight the need for comprehensive work rather than simple fixes.
Amid these recovery efforts, a group of 38 former Australian fire and emergency service chiefs has urged increased climate action, expressing deep concern about the escalating frequency and intensity of extreme weather driven by climate change. They emphasise that the demands on fire and emergency services have grown, with responders facing more perilous situations due to worsening natural disasters.
The clean-up has begun in cyclone-hit areas, although many homes in Logan, south of Brisbane, may remain isolated due to flooding until next week. Emergency services, including the army, police, and State Emergency Service volunteers, are actively working on recovery operations.
Emergency Leaders for Climate Action are calling for all levels of government to acknowledge that continued reliance on fossil fuels could exacerbate future disasters. They warn against slipping into climate denial and urge for immediate action ahead of upcoming Federal elections, reinforcing the need for real solutions to combat climate change rather than delayed measures that could further harm the environment.
As recovery efforts intensify following Cyclone Alfred’s aftermath, residents hope for better conditions, with weather forecasts suggesting a break from rain until next Tuesday, offering some respite for affected communities.