SYDNEY: A potential disaster looms over north-eastern Australia as Tropical Cyclone Jasper intensifies, prompting authorities to issue warnings of “life-threatening” floods that could inundate coastal regions for days.
The cyclone, expected to make landfall around 6 pm local time on December 13, is already unleashing gale-force winds on some towns, leaving approximately 8,000 homes without power, according to the Queensland state government.
Meteorologists from the government Bureau of Meteorology report that Jasper is rapidly strengthening into a Category Two storm as it moves across the Coral Sea towards the mainland. With forecasted winds reaching up to 140 km/h, the cyclone poses a severe threat, likely causing flash flooding in its path.
Forecaster Laura Boekel emphasized the immediate impact of the cyclone, stating, “We’ve already started to see the impacts of this cyclone, and that will get worse as we move through today.” The major concern at present is the risk of flash flooding, which could be exacerbated by the cyclone’s intensification.
Tourist hubs Cairns and Port Douglas, both serving as gateways to the Great Barrier Reef, are directly in the trajectory of Tropical Cyclone Jasper. The storm’s approach has prompted Deputy Premier Steven Miles to acknowledge that some areas are already experiencing “cyclonic conditions.” He warned of the potential for “dangerous and life-threatening” floods persisting for days.
Authorities are taking proactive measures, closing major roads prone to flooding and urging residents to secure loose items. Flood watches are in effect for rivers across the region, and preemptive power cuts have been implemented in areas expected to face damage.
As the cyclone continues its approach, the region braces for the impact on infrastructure, including fences, roofs, and other properties. The unfolding situation demands heightened vigilance and preparedness from residents and underscores the urgent need for coordinated response efforts to mitigate the potential consequences of Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
