Wild storms in Queensland destroyed "hundreds and hundreds" of electricity poles.
Severe Storm Leaves Thousands in South-East Queensland Without Power, Prompts Extensive Recovery Efforts
In the aftermath of a powerful storm that struck southeast Queensland over the Christmas and New Year holidays, over 8,000 homes in areas such as Logan, the Gold Coast hinterland, and Scenic Rim are grappling with days without electricity. The region has been dealt a heavy blow, with intense rainfall, flash floods, and violent winds causing substantial damage.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Stephen Smith of the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) emphasized the "significant impact" of the adverse weather conditions, stating, "There's a huge amount of damage." Emergency crews are diligently working with affected communities to expedite the recovery process, acknowledging the immense workload ahead and the prolonged nature of the recovery.
Despite the challenging situation, officials reassured the public that current dam levels are not a concern, thanks to improved weather forecasts. However, more than 8,000 homes remain without power, with Energex's Danny Donald aiming to reconnect residents by the upcoming weekend. Donald cautioned that the task ahead is substantial, involving not only repairs but the reconstruction of entire sections of the power network.
Mount Tamborine, with around 3,600 homes without power, and Logan, with 1,800 homes in a blackout, are among the worst-affected areas. Some communities are expected to rely on generational power due to severe infrastructure damage, with the need to reconstruct hundreds of power poles.
Queensland Police Assistant Commissioner Ben Marcus highlighted the extensive damage, particularly mentioning the downed trees in towns like Jimboomba, Cedar Vale, and Cedar Grove. Expert loggers equipped with specialized tools are actively working to clear roads in collaboration with emergency response teams.
State Disaster Recovery Minister Nikki Boyd reported that over 5,090 damage assessments have been completed since Christmas, with 17 homes declared " destroyed." As the storm subsides, restoration and rebuilding efforts are set to intensify, with government support promising a concerted effort. Financial assistance, including grants of up to $900 for essentials like food, medicine, and clothing, is available, and community recovery hubs are established to provide aid.
To bolster the recovery process, 1,000 Energex crew members are in the field, and 50 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel are on the ground to assist in clearing debris. Deputy Commissioner Smith urged caution, particularly while driving on damaged or submerged roads, emphasizing the lingering hazards. He advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel to ensure unimpeded access to essential services and recovery operations.
