As Cyclone Alfred swept through Queensland, the impact on the residents, including Kiwis living in the region, was palpable. The storm brought strong winds, heavy rain, and widespread power outages, leaving many individuals feeling anxious and unprepared for the chaos that ensued.
Sophia Ducker-Jones, a New Zealander residing in Brisbane, recounted her experiences leading up to and during the cyclone. She described the frantic rush to stock up on essentials like canned goods and water, the tension of waiting for the storm to hit, and the challenges of balancing work responsibilities with the looming threat of power loss. As the winds howled outside her home, Ducker-Jones found herself fortunate to still have electricity while offering assistance to friends in need.
Meanwhile, on the Gold Coast, Bree-Arna Harris shared her observations of the storm’s aftermath. With neighborhoods plunged into darkness and essential supplies scarce at local supermarkets, the atmosphere was reminiscent of the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges, Harris noted a sense of recklessness among some individuals who ventured out to witness the destruction caused by the cyclone firsthand.
Stephanie Grech, another resident affected by the storm, found herself without power but grateful for the opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones. With the simple pleasure of a breakfast barbecue and a break from screen time, Grech embraced the unexpected silver lining amidst the stormy weather.
Further north in Noosa, Steven Field reflected on the underwhelming impact of Cyclone Alfred in his area. While acknowledging some strong gusts of wind, Field remarked that the storm’s intensity did not match the media hype surrounding its arrival, highlighting the unpredictability of natural disasters.
As the cleanup efforts began in the aftermath of Cyclone Alfred, New Zealand stepped up to offer assistance to Queensland. Fire and Emergency New Zealand mobilized an Urban Search and Rescue team to aid in recovery efforts, showcasing the spirit of trans-Tasman solidarity in times of crisis. Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins underscored this partnership through social media posts, using emojis and hashtags to convey a message of unity and collaboration.
In the face of adversity, the resilience and compassion of individuals affected by Cyclone Alfred shone through, demonstrating the power of community in weathering the storm and rebuilding together. The shared experiences of Kiwis and locals in Queensland serve as a reminder of the strength found in unity, even in the most challenging of circumstances. Through support, solidarity, and a willingness to lend a helping hand, communities can emerge stronger in the wake of disaster.