Cyclone Alfred: It’s safety measures and community resilience for Pacific families

Thousands of people are without power across southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales, and many others have been ordered to evacuate as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches the Australian east coast, local media reports.

Damaging wind gusts of up to 120km/h were already developing between Moreton Island and Byron Bay on Thursday night, potentially around 24 hours or more before the historic storm is expected to make landfall later on Friday.

In Lismore and other flood-prone areas of northern NSW, thousands of residents have been ordered to evacuate because forecasts indicate that flooding could cut off their escape routes.

As the category two storm nears, Pacific families in Queensland say they have taken precautions to ride out Alfred.

Earlier on Thursday, Maria Makapelu, who lives in Burpengary, northeast of Brisbane, discussed her preparations for the cyclone in an interview with Nemai Vucago on Pacific Days.

Cyclone Alfred, classified as a Category 2 storm, is already causing high tides and heavy surf along Queensland’s coastline.

While some areas are experiencing significant impacts, Makapelu says the conditions in her neighbourhood are relatively calm.

“The wind has definitely eased. It was about one o'clock last night because I was wind watching, but I could hear the whistling of the wind.

"This morning, it eased. We're inland. We're not too far away from the sea, so we're pretty sheltered.”

Tropical Cyclone Alfred is strengthening as it bears down on the coast of southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales, prompting fears it may become a destructive category 3 cyclone before it makes landfall. Photo/RNZ/Supplied/Windy.com

She raises concerns about the new subdivision where she lives.

“Our house was built nearly three years ago. The drainage and the sewage is really good.

“It's the surrounding areas around us, which is farm land. So that tends to flood. But once it floods, we're pretty much stuck.

“We're hoping the builders did a good job and our roof won't end up on the Sunshine Coast.”

Despite the looming storm, Makapelu's family is in good spirits. Her 12-year-old son is taking the initiative to prepare their home by filling buckets with water.

Listen to Maria Makapelu's full interview on Pacific Days below.

Meanwhile, her husband continues working on the other side of Brisbane, even as authorities warn of potential road and bridge closures if winds reach 90km/hr.

The demand for emergency supplies is causing shortages. “There’s no sand left anywhere.”

Makapelu says they are using bags of potting mix as an alternative.

Brisbane resident Trent Manukuo also shares his perspective on the situation, emphasising the uncertainty of the weather conditions.

“Pretty clear skies at the moment, but that’s not to say that at any time things could change,” he says.

Trent Manukuo (right). Photo/Trent Manukuo Facebook

As he prepares by stocking up on essentials, he says there is an ongoing rush to buy supplies.

“Everyone’s panicking. The supermarkets are empty. Kind of similar to what happened during Covid.”

While some residents are panic buying, Makapelu emphasises the importance of smart shopping.

“I've become a really clever shopper. So I've always got supplies, and you've got to be a conscientious shopper too and just leave stuff for other people. So we've got what we need. If we have a power cut, we have three gas bottles.

“We've got a swimming pool where you can take water from the swimming pool and use the flush toilet. And we've got enough too to help our neighbours who have children.”

Residents across the city are stocking up on sandbags and preparing for Tropical Cyclone Alfred's arrival. Photo/James Maasdorp

With the worst of the storm expected between 4pm and 7pm on Friday, she and her family are taking all necessary precautions.

“We’ll switch off the solar panels, bring all my precious frangipani plants inside and make sure everything is ready.”

The cyclone is bringing back memories of past storms that delivered unexpected devastation.

“There’s always a calm before the storm,” she warns.

Coastal areas, including the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, are expected to bear the brunt of Alfred’s impact.

Makapelu’s sister, who lives alone on the Gold Coast, reports that winds have intensified. “The winds have definitely picked up, but she is very safe. She's not worried. She's got her supplies. She's got her guide dog, Dr Phil, with her.”