Australia grapples with the aftermath of severe thunderstorms that wreaked havoc across the states of Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland on December 25 and 26, claiming eight lives and leaving one person missing. The wild weather brought large hailstones, torrential rains, and strong winds, resulting in damaged roofs, fallen trees, and widespread power outages.
Among the casualties were three men aboard a capsized yacht in Moreton Bay, Queensland, while a nine-year-old girl and a woman lost their lives in separate incidents related to flooded stormwater drains. With over 90,000 households still without power, authorities warn of the continued risk of severe thunderstorms and fast-rising rivers, urging caution in flood-prone areas.
As Australia faces these devastating storms in the east, contrasting challenges persist in the west, where regions are battling wildfires, highlighting the country’s susceptibility to extreme weather events exacerbated by the current El Niño weather phenomenon.