Cyclone Alfred: Cook Islanders stress community preparedness

The Cook Islands community is taking a cautious approach as a weakened ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred continues west and away from Australia.

The category one storm made landfall in Queensland last weekend, bringing intense winds and widespread power outages. Evacuation orders were issued across parts of Australia’s east coast.

Authorities warn that although the cyclone has weakened, it still poses a threat to vulnerable coastal communities.

Speaking to PMN Cook Islands, producers Kevin and Tupe Dando from the Australian-based 4EB Cook Islands Show say family connections and social media help Cook Islanders abroad keep in touch during emergencies.

“We reside here on the Gold Coast. It means a lot that our people have been reaching out, so we really appreciate that,” Kevin says.

“That's one of the most important things when we are going through a natural disaster, is staying connected with your family and your friends.”

Kevin says iconic towns like Australia’s Surfers Paradise look unrecognisable after the cyclone, highlighting how these events can affect the Pacific region.

He stresses the importance of taking simple precautions, such as having radios, batteries, and emergency packs ready and looking out for neighbours.

”So I just [want] to stress the importance of listening and looking out for your neighbour as well,” Kevin says.

“The most important thing is that we're all in this together. It doesn't matter where you come from or what language you speak - We try to get it out as quickly as possible.

“That is the great thing about local councils and our state’s premier. There are constant updates from emergency services.”

A long recovery

Kevin says early warnings and simple precautions have helped prepare for Cyclone Alfred. But he adds that the speed of technology sometimes leads to “information overload”.

Kevin says Southeast Queensland, home to more than five million people and about the same population as New Zealand, stretches from the Sunshine Coast through the Gold Coast and into northern New South Wales.

Following strong winds since Friday, the downgraded ex-tropical cyclone continues to bring heavy rainfall, raising concerns about flooding.

Kevin also says Gold Coast authorities are warning people who take photos in dangerous flood-affected areas are putting themselves and emergency workers at risk.

Officials also urge the importance of prioritising safety during these critical times.

A lengthy recovery period is expected, potentially taking weeks or even months.

Watch Kevin and Tupe Dando’s full interview below.