South East Queensland braces for more extreme weather.
Power Outages and Sweltering Heat: Queensland Braces for Devastating Heatwave
Queensland, Australia is currently facing a challenging situation as severe storms and subsequent power outages have left numerous households without electricity.
As the region braces for a devastating heatwave, concerns are mounting for vulnerable residents who may be disproportionately affected by the lack of power during sweltering temperatures. With the elderly and disabled being particularly at risk, authorities are urging residents to be vigilant and support their neighbors, while also encouraging the use of public spaces equipped with air conditioning for safety.
The impact of the storms has been significant, with over 400 houses in the Gold Coast area sustaining damage. As preparations are underway to restore power to the majority of households and businesses, the looming heatwave adds another layer of urgency.
Key Takeaways
- Thousands of households in Queensland are facing days without electricity due to power outages caused by extreme weather.
- Concerns have been raised for vulnerable residents, such as the elderly and disabled, who may be at risk during high temperatures without access to power.
- Damage to properties, including significant or severe damage to 37 homes, has been reported due to storms in the region.
- Preparations are being made to restore power to affected areas, with the goal of having 90% of households and businesses resupplied by New Year’s Eve.
Impact on Electricity Supply
The devastating heatwave in Queensland has resulted in thousands of households facing prolonged periods without electricity. During the extreme weather, over 120,000 homes and businesses lost power, leaving a significant number of residents in the dark.
While 63% of customers have had their services restored, more than 43,000 people are still without power as of Thursday afternoon. This has raised concerns for vulnerable residents, with the federal disaster and emergency management minister urging residents to look out for elderly or disabled neighbors.
The health minister has also expressed concern for those without power during high temperatures and advised residents to use public spaces with air conditioning to stay safe. The Queensland ambulance service has reported an increase in calls for help due to storms and heat, highlighting the urgent need for electricity restoration.
Concerns for Vulnerable Residents
With the devastating heatwave in Queensland leaving thousands of households without electricity, there are growing concerns for the well-being of vulnerable residents. The health minister has expressed concern for those without power during high temperatures, as it poses a serious health risk. Residents have been advised to seek shelter in public spaces with air conditioning to stay safe.
Federal disaster and emergency management minister has urged residents to be vigilant and look out for elderly or disabled neighbors who may be at risk. The Queensland ambulance service has reported an increase in calls for help due to the storms and heat. In response, the premier has activated disaster assistance for affected areas, including emergency hardship grants, to provide support for those in need.
Damage to Properties
Properties in Queensland have experienced significant damage as a result of the recent storms. The Gold Coast has been particularly affected, with around 400 houses sustaining damage. Out of these, 37 homes are reported to have significant or severe damage.
In response to the storms, volunteers from across Queensland and northern NSW have been mobilized to assist with recovery efforts. The Gold Coast mayor has expressed gratitude towards these volunteers for their support.
However, residents have been warned not to swim in creeks, rivers, or the broadwater until the water is tested for safety. The damage to properties highlights the devastating impact of the storms on the affected areas, and efforts are being made to provide support and assistance to those affected by the storms.
Heatwave Preparations
In anticipation of the impending heatwave, authorities in Queensland are taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. The Queensland energy minister has set a goal to restore power to 80% of households and businesses by the evening of December 30 and to have 90% of power resupplied by New Year’s Eve.
To provide relief during extreme heat, public pools on the Gold Coast have been made free for residents. Also, residents are advised to use cold towels or seek air-conditioned spaces to lower their body temperature.
The council is encouraging residents to prepare for the upcoming heatwave by staying hydrated, wearing lightweight clothing, and checking on vulnerable neighbors. The government has also activated disaster assistance for affected areas, providing emergency hardship grants and assistance for repairing connections to electricity, water, and gas.
Assistance and Grants
Assistance and grants are being provided by the government to support residents affected by the storms in Queensland. The government has activated disaster assistance for parts of the Gold Coast, Logan, and the Scenic Rim, aiming to provide support for those affected by the storms.
Emergency hardship grants of $180 for individuals and up to $900 for families are available to help with immediate needs. In addition, uninsured low- to middle-income residents can apply for grants of up to $1,765 for individuals and $5,300 for couples or families to replace damaged household contents.
For those whose connections to electricity, water, and gas have been damaged, there is assistance available of up to $5,000 to repair these connections. These grants and assistance packages are aimed at helping affected residents recover and rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the storms.
Government’s Disaster Assistance Package
The Queensland government has implemented a comprehensive disaster assistance package to provide support and aid for residents affected by the recent storms. The package aims to address the challenges faced by the affected communities in the aftermath of the extreme weather conditions.
It includes emergency hardship grants, which offer financial assistance of $180 for individuals and up to $900 for families. Additionally, uninsured low- to middle-income residents can apply for grants of up to $1,765 for individuals and $5,300 for couples or families to replace damaged household contents. Furthermore, affected households can access assistance of up to $5,000 to repair connections to essential services such as electricity, water, and gas.
Conclusion
The severe storms and power outages in Queensland, Australia have had significant impacts on the electricity supply, vulnerable residents, and properties. As a heatwave approaches, preparations are underway to restore power to affected households and businesses. The government has also provided assistance and grants to alleviate the impact of the storms and power outages. However, the situation remains challenging and ongoing efforts are necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.
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