Thousands in Australia told to evacuate as Tropical Cyclone Alfred nears east coast

SYDNEY – Thousands of residents in Australia’s east were ordered to evacuate ahead of Tropical Cyclone Alfred’s landfall on March 8 as the storm brought heavy rains, huge waves and strong winds that cut off power, eroded beaches and closed airports.

Alfred’s slow progress towards the coast fed concern that it could bring a prolonged period of heavy rain. It is expected to hit land as a Category 2 storm north of Brisbane, Australia’s third-most populous city, the Bureau of Meteorology said.

“The evacuation centres are a last resort,” Queensland Premier David Crisafulli told a news conference on March 7, adding that dozens had been opened.

“Have an evacuation plan if you are in one of those areas,” he urged those in the cyclone’s path, advising them to secure their homes before evacuating.

“If in doubt, go and stay with friends and families.”

Wind gusts of more than 100kmh lashed the coastal regions of Queensland and New South Wales states overnight. The storm moved slowly west 120km from Brisbane and 85km from the tourist city Gold Coast, the weather bureau said.

It brought turmoil that snapped power links to more than 80,000 homes across the two states, electricity firms said, around half of them in the Gold Coast.

Television footage showed surfers riding in the huge seas and people strolling near the beaches, forcing officials to warn residents to stay indoors or prepare to evacuate when asked.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “This isn’t a time for sightseeing or for seeing what it’s like to experience these conditions first-hand. Please stay safe. Be sensible.”

He told reporters that 120 defence personnel will help the emergency crews with rescue and relief efforts.

In a television interview, he ruled out calling a national election for April on March 9 or March 10,