A general view shows erosion at Miami Beach after the sand was washed away during Tropical Cyclone Alfred on the Gold Coast on March 9, 2025. Photo by David GRAY / AFP.
Canberra: Storm Alfred, which struck Australia's east coast on Saturday, has caused widespread power outages, leaving approximately 330,000 homes without electricity, according to a statement from the Australian electricity companies group today.
Reports indicated that around 310,000 homes in southeastern Queensland and at least 16,000 homes in northeastern New South Wales were affected by the power cuts due to the storm.
In a statement, the electricity companies group explained that restoring power could take several days due to obstacles left by the cyclone, including rising water levels, swollen rivers, fallen trees, and landslides, which are hindering maintenance teams' access to affected areas.
Although Cyclone Alfred has now weakened into a tropical depression, it continues to bring strong winds, which have uprooted trees and downed power lines, as well as heavy rainfall, causing rivers to swell along a 400-kilometer stretch of coastline in Queensland and New South Wales.
Authorities have warned of potential flooding in low-lying areas, urging residents to exercise caution. Meanwhile, emergency teams are continuing relief efforts and working to restore essential services.
