Cyclone Alfred- a wakeup call

Preparing Queensland for future natural disasters

From the editor’s desk

Cyclone Alfred’s recent rampage through Queensland has left an indelible mark on the state, serving as a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictable fury. The cyclone unleashed devastating floods, submerged vehicles, and inflicted severe damage to infrastructure, leading to the largest power outage in Queensland’s history, with a peak of 450,000 homes and businesses left in the dark. In the aftermath, rescue teams braved treacherous conditions to evacuate residents, highlighting both the heroism of our emergency services and the vulnerabilities in our disaster preparedness.

This disaster has sparked a crucial conversation about Queensland’s ability to withstand such extreme weather events in the future. Given Australia’s increasing exposure to severe storms, floods, and bushfires, it is imperative to reassess and strengthen our approach to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. The lessons learned from Cyclone Alfred extend beyond Queensland and serve as a warning for all of Australia. We must take decisive action to enhance infrastructure, improve emergency response systems, and ensure communities are well-equipped to face future calamities.

One of the most glaring issues exposed by Cyclone Alfred was the fragility of Queensland’s power infrastructure. The massive outage disrupted lives and hampered emergency response efforts. Kevin Lavender, Energy Queensland’s general manager, emphasized the complexity and duration of restoring power after such an extensive event, noting that priority was given to critical infrastructure like hospitals and water treatment plants.

This situation underscores the urgency of investing in more resilient infrastructure. Strengthening power grids, enhancing communication networks, and ensuring that critical facilities have robust backup systems are essential steps. Investing in underground power lines, smart grids, and decentralized energy systems such as microgrids could also help minimize disruptions in future disasters. The reliance on above-ground power lines, particularly in cyclone-prone areas, increases the risk of prolonged outages following extreme weather events. By modernizing and fortifying our energy infrastructure, we can reduce the time it takes to restore power and limit the broader impact of natural disasters. The swift and effective response of emergency services during Cyclone Alfred was commendable. However, the event also highlighted the crucial role of community awareness and preparedness. Residents must be well-informed about evacuation routes, emergency shelters, and safety protocols. A well-prepared population can significantly reduce the chaos and confusion that often accompanies disasters. Regular community drills and educational programs can empower individuals to act decisively when disaster strikes. Schools, local councils, and community organizations should collaborate to provide training sessions on emergency preparedness. Simple actions, such as keeping an emergency kit ready, knowing where to find reliable information, and understanding flood risks, can save lives. Queensland should also explore the possibility of introducing mandatory disaster preparedness education in schools, ensuring that the next generation is better equipped to handle emergencies.

In the wake of Cyclone Alfred, the Insurance Council of Australia issued warnings about ‘disaster chasers’—unscrupulous individuals offering repair and clean-up services that can invalidate insurance claims. These operators often demand upfront cash payments and perform substandard work or leave it incomplete. Homeowners are urged to avoid contracts with these individuals, as it could result in inflated bills that insurance policies won’t cover.

To protect vulnerable residents, it is imperative to raise awareness about these scams and provide clear guidelines on how to choose reputable service providers. Authorities should also consider establishing official channels or registries of approved contractors to assist homeowners in making informed decisions during the stressful aftermath of a disaster. Additionally, stronger penalties should be imposed on those who exploit disaster victims, ensuring that Queenslanders are not taken advantage of during their most vulnerable moments.

The financial toll of natural disasters extends beyond immediate damages. As major weather events become more frequent, insurance premiums could increase significantly if proactive disaster mitigation efforts are not implemented.

Scott Guse from KPMG noted that the federal government’s $10 billion cyclone reinsurance pool should prevent significant premium increases from this event. However, with unusual and unforecast cyclones like Alfred, the need to revise insurance pricing models may lead to higher premiums if such events become more common.

This scenario calls for a proactive approach to disaster mitigation. Investing in infrastructure improvements, enforcing stringent building codes, and implementing effective land-use planning can reduce the severity of damages, thereby stabilizing insurance costs. Additionally, public awareness campaigns about the importance of adequate insurance coverage can ensure that individuals and businesses are financially prepared for potential disasters. Governments must also work closely with the insurance industry to create affordable and accessible insurance options for residents in high-risk areas.

Cyclone Alfred’s impact also brings to light the environmental factors that can exacerbate natural disasters. Deforestation, wetland degradation, and poor urban planning can increase vulnerability to flooding and storm surges. Implementing sustainable environmental practices, such as restoring mangroves and preserving natural floodplains, can serve as natural barriers against such calamities.

Urban planning must take disaster risks into account, ensuring that new developments are built with resilience in mind. More green spaces, improved drainage systems, and stricter regulations on construction in flood-prone areas can significantly reduce damage in future storms. Investing in nature-based solutions is not just about disaster prevention— it also promotes biodiversity, enhances air and water quality, and creates a more sustainable living environment for all Queenslanders.

Advancements in technology offer valuable tools for disaster preparedness. Enhanced early warning systems, utilizing satellite data and predictive analytics, can provide more accurate and timely alerts. Mobile applications and social media platforms can disseminate information rapidly, ensuring that residents receive real-time updates and instructions.

Investing in these technologies can significantly improve response times and save lives. Governments should also explore the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to predict and model potential disaster scenarios. By analyzing historical data and climate patterns, AI can help authorities develop more effective disaster management strategies. Additionally, improved communication infrastructure— such as emergency SMS alerts in multiple languages—can ensure that vital information reaches all segments of society, including non-English-speaking residents.