MAN SWEPT IN FLOOD, OVER 80,000 HOMES WITHOUT POWER AS CYCLONE ALFRED APPROACHES EASTERN AUSTRALIA

ISTANBUL, March 7 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Over 80,000 homes have lost power due to Cyclone Alfred causing severe winds and heavy rain, while a man was swept into floodwater on Friday.

Over 55,814 homes were left without power in Queensland, while 35,000 New South Wales homes have been cut from power as the cyclone comes closer to Australia's east coast. Authorities warned residents that power may not be restored for some time, Anadolu Ajansi reported, citing the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Authorities issued evacuation orders to thousands of residents in Queensland as the cyclone came closer to the mainland.

The category two cyclone is expected to maintain its intensity and is expected to fall back into category one as it crosses over Moreton Bay.

In another case, a four-wheel vehicle was washed out into fast-running waters in New South Wales state.

The driver was able to leave the car and grab onto a tree, however, he was swept away after a while, and authorities are searching for him.

The category two storm is expected to make landfall on the coast early Saturday.

‘Take Shelter Now’ warnings were issued for Moreton Bay Council, while a flood warning was sounded for the Currumbin in the Gold Coast.

Residents in the southeast of Queensland and the northeast of New South Wales are bracing for the cyclone, the severity of which has not been experienced in the region since 1974.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU