Australia’s prime minister Anthony Albanese warned the nation that the impacts of a powerful tropical storm were “far from over,” as dangerous floodwaters continued to submerge parts of two states on Monday, despite the storm itself beginning to ease. Here is all you need to know about the devastating cyclone.
The Australian government also announced a disaster recovery allowance relief for communities impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, in a move to support those facing income loss.
Power outages have affected at least 268,000 residential and commercial customers in southeast Queensland, while an additional 12,500 properties in northeast New South Wales remain disconnected from the electrical grid, according to reports from service providers.
Financial assistance
The allowance provides up to 13 weeks of financial support for eligible workers and sole traders whose earnings have been impacted by the disaster. It is available across 14 local government areas in Queensland, including Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast, as well as 17 areas in New South Wales, such as Lismore, Byron, and Port Macquarie-Hastings. Residents of Lord Howe Island and nearby islands are also eligible.
In order to qualify, individuals must live or work in the declared zones and have lost income due to the disaster, with their earnings falling below the national average weekly wage. Applications open at 2pm (local time) on Tuesday, 11 March.
Those interested can check eligibility on the services Australia website and apply online or available through the Australian government’s emergency information line.

Casualty

The cyclone is reported to have claimed at least one life when a 61-year-old man’s vehicle was swept off a bridge in northern New South Wales. Despite clinging to a tree branch, he drowned in floodwaters.
In a separate incident, 13 soldiers were injured when two army trucks rolled over while clearing roads near Lismore. Defence minister Richard Marles confirmed that one has been discharged from hospital, while others remain in stable condition.
As authorities continue rescue and recovery efforts, Australians in affected areas are urged to stay informed and take all necessary precautions.
Devastating aftermath
Meanwhile, the country continues to struggle with the remnants of the cyclone which brought upon torrential rains and mass flooding through a stretch of 400 kilometres of coastline for five days.
At present, more than 190,000 homes and businesses are stranded powerless as emergency crews work to restore services.
Despite the wind and rain eased, authorities issued a series of flood and severe weather warnings across the region, which straddles Queensland and New South Wales.
Massive rainfall
Queensland capital of Brisbane saw 30 centimetres of rain in just 24 hours, submerging cars and streets across the city. Premier David Crisafulli informed that emergency services rescued 17 people from fast-moving floodwaters overnight.
“Rainfall is leading to flash flooding as well as river flooding in parts of the southeast,” he said, cautioning residents to stay alert, reported by news agency AFP.
Flooding threats
Meteorologists warned that the risk of flash flooding and major river surges remains severe. Jonathan How from the bureau of meteorology explained that the storm, despite moving inland, continues to draw in heavy moisture.
Utility providers reported more than 185,000 power outages in Queensland and another 10,000 in New South Wales. Essential Energy confirmed helicopters were being deployed to assess remote damage.
New South Wales premier Chris Minns said the weather pattern remained “unpredictable,” with more rainfall expected in the coming hours. However, most evacuation orders in the state have now been lifted.