10 dead in Australia thunderstorms, thousands without power

Severe thunderstorms struck Australia’s east during the Christmas holidays, causing ten fatalities and leaving tens of thousands without power. The storms, affecting Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, brought large hail, torrential rain, and strong winds. Casualties included three men from a capsized yacht, two women swept away in flooded drains, and a nine-year-old girl found in a stormwater drain. Over 90,000 households remain without power. Authorities warned of rising rivers and potential flooding in popular campgrounds. Significant damage, including the collapse of a concrete power line, was reported. The cumulative impact of recent weather events, including Cyclone Jasper, is estimated to be in the billions. Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology predicts more rain, while the west faces bushfires. The summer’s weather extremes, coupled with escalating climate consequences, highlight the challenges posed by changing climate patterns in the region.

Source – CGTN