Cyclone Alfred Approaching, ADF on Alert for ‘Life-Threatening’ Flooding

Residents of South East Queensland are advised to remain at home unless they reside in a storm surge or flood zone, in which case they are encouraged to stay with friends or family, check into a hotel, or visit an evacuation center as Cyclone Alfred approaches the coast.

“If it makes landfall at high tide in the middle of the night, storm surge zones are not where you want to be,” Queensland Premier David Crisafulli stated in a recent address, accompanied by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner.

Individuals outside of evacuation areas are advised to stay indoors on March 6 and 7, at the very least.

At present, numerous community workers, including State Emergency Service and police recruits, are going door-to-door in high-risk areas, and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) has transitioned from standby to active duty.

As of 11 a.m. Brisbane time (12 noon Sydney time) on March 5, 68 evacuations had been conducted from South Stradbroke Island, with more expected as the day progresses.

Residents are reminded to secure items in their yards and clear away any debris beforehand.

“We are now at the point where we have only hours left, but there is still time,” Crisafulli remarked.

For those in high-risk areas, the premier emphasized that there is still an opportunity to plan an evacuation route, but the window for departure is rapidly closing.

“I am confident that the state will overcome this,” he expressed.

“We are urging a large population to stay connected and be prepared.

“One thing is certain, and that is that a cyclone will make landfall.”

While delivering the press conference, Crisafulli revealed that he had just received new information stating that a “red alert” had been issued for all vessels from Double Island Point to Coolangatta, instructing them not to leave their moorings from noon on March 5.