Residents across the Australian states of Queensland and New South Wales have been waiting anxiously as a tropical storm – downgraded from Cyclone Alfred – crawls towards them, leaving thousands in the dark. Four million people are in the firing line of what was thought to be the region’s first tropical cyclone in 50 years. Tens of thousands were told to evacuate ahead of the storm, which is expected to make landfall on Saturday.
Most have taken heed of warnings to stay indoors – taping up their windows and strapping down garden furniture – while shops have lined sandbags in front of their doors. Ex-cyclone Alfred’s path slowed in recent days, with one meteorologist describing it as a “walking pace”, which sparked fears of prolonged rain and flooding.
In southern Brisbane, a popular city in Queensland, some from the homeless community have taken refuge at Emmanuel City Mission, filling the floor on rows of inflatable air mattresses. The space, usually a day centre for people needing a shower or a hot meal, has become a round-the-clock shelter.
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