Significant power outages are affecting thousands of residences in northern and far northern Queensland due to severe storms, which have damaged power lines and substations amid widespread flooding. Ingham has been hit hard, with its entire substation shut down to prevent further damage from rising waters. While this proactive measure mitigated catastrophic harm, restoration efforts are underway and depend on the water levels allowing Ergon Energy crews access.
Many homes affected by flooding may experience damage to their switchboards, necessitating inspections before power can be restored, leaving timelines uncertain. Additional outages have occurred in Giru and Cardwell, attributed to flash flooding, while Townsville’s disruptions stem from fallen trees and powerlines.
Telstra has noted that its internet and phone service issues are largely resultant from these power disruptions, as backup generators become overloaded. Efforts to restore connectivity are in motion, indicating a push toward returning normalcy to the affected areas. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing assessments and repairs critical for recovery.