Body Recovered from Floodwaters as Troops Injured in Storm in Australia

Australian authorities have confirmed the discovery of a body in floodwaters, and 13 military personnel have been injured in a crash, as Cyclone Alfred, now downgraded to a tropical low, brings severe weather to the eastern coast of the country. The storm has caused widespread disruption, particularly in Queensland and northern New South Wales, where strong winds, heavy rain, and significant flooding have led to power outages, property damage, and public safety concerns.

Cyclone Alfred made landfall near Brisbane, Queensland’s capital, on Saturday evening. The storm has been lashing the region with severe weather conditions, including powerful winds that have downed trees and power lines, and intense rainfall that has flooded roads, especially in low-lying areas. The storm’s impact has left over 300,000 homes without electricity in the affected regions. Despite being downgraded, officials have warned that the danger is not over and continue to urge residents to stay indoors and remain cautious as conditions could worsen in some areas.

The body of a 61-year-old man was discovered on Saturday during an ongoing search operation in Dorrigo, northern New South Wales. The man had been reported missing after his car became trapped in floodwaters on Friday. Emergency responders had witnessed the man escaping his vehicle and climbing onto a tree near the riverbank, but despite their efforts, they were unable to reach him before he was swept away by the floodwaters. The body found on Saturday is believed to be that of the missing man.

In a separate incident on Saturday, 13 military personnel were injured in a crash involving a convoy in Lismore, located about 200 kilometers south of Brisbane. The crash occurred when one military truck overturned while navigating a narrow road, and a second truck collided with it. Initially, 36 people were reported as being involved in the accident, but later clarification revealed that only 13 sustained injuries. The personnel were part of a larger military team deployed to assist with rescue operations in the region. Federal Defence Personnel Minister Matt Keogh confirmed the injuries, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his support for the injured service members, calling them “heroes” for their dedication to assisting those in need.

Despite the downgraded status of the storm, Queensland and northern New South Wales remain under high alert, with ongoing threats of flooding and damaging winds. Premier Albanese emphasized that residents in affected areas must remain vigilant, as conditions could change rapidly. Emergency services have been working around the clock to assist those affected by the storm, and authorities are closely monitoring the situation as the storm continues to move inland.

Nearly 1,000 schools across the two states have been closed, with public transportation services suspended and airports shut down due to the weather. Elective surgeries have been canceled, and flights are not expected to resume until at least Sunday. The storm has also severely disrupted daily life in Brisbane, where residents were initially bracing for the worst, but by Saturday morning, the city learned it had been spared from the most severe conditions.

Nevertheless, southeastern Queensland and northern New South Wales are still experiencing powerful winds and heavy rain, with the Gold Coast particularly affected. The area has seen widespread damage, including uprooted trees in gardens, parks, and on main roads. Emergency services have cordoned off sections of affected areas due to the ongoing risks posed by the storm. Many paths leading down to the beach have been rendered impassable, and in some areas, the sand has been washed away by the intense waves, leaving sudden drops to the ocean.

As authorities and emergency crews continue their efforts, Premier Chris Minns of New South Wales has cautioned residents not to become complacent. “This emergency is not over,” he said, urging the public to heed the warnings and stay alert. With flooding expected to persist in some regions, authorities are focused on managing ongoing risks while beginning recovery efforts.

In the aftermath of the storm, communities are coming together to support one another as they begin to assess the extent of the damage. However, the cleanup process is expected to take several days, as the storm continues to produce hazardous conditions, including strong winds and driving rain. While some residents are beginning to venture out to survey the damage, many remain indoors, prioritizing their safety until the weather improves.