Australia provides income support for workers hit by former tropical cyclone
Christine Chen
SYDNEY (Reuters) – The Australian government said on Monday it will activate financial support for workers who lost their income due to former tropical cyclone Alfred, which has resulted in widespread flooding, power outages and property damage throughout the East Coast.
The storm hit land north of Australia’s third-largest-popular city, Brisbane, and was demoted to tropical lows late Saturday, hitting Queensland and New South Wales.
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Authorities said a man died and 12 soldiers deployed were injured after crashing in wet conditions.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said workers earning less than the country’s average weekly wages are eligible to apply for up to 13 weeks of financial support starting Tuesday.
“We have your support. Here’s my message to the community.
Income support will be equivalent to job seekers in the country’s unemployment benefit program, currently a single person with no children, currently $693.10 ($437.28) and in a one-time member, a one-time, $1,000 in the weekend announced for disaster payments.
Authorities say more than 230,000 households and businesses are still facing power outages after rainfall of up to 433 mm (17 inches) in the past 24 hours, and thousands of properties are at risk of flooding.
The Australian Meteorological Agency said that although conditions will ease throughout the day, the risks are not over yet.
Director Sue Oates said: “There are still huge flooding in southeast Queensland. Rainfall is greater and the risk of dangerous and life-threatening mountain flooding is increasing.”
The Australian Insurance Commission said on Sunday that insurers have received nearly 3,000 claims.
CEO Andrew Hall said it was too early to determine the total insurance premium, but expected “more claims as residents return to their homes and understand the full scope of the loss.”
Hurricane Jasper in 2023 was the most rain-intensive cyclone in Australian history, causing insurance companies to pay $409 million from 10,500 claims.
The 1974 Cyclone Tracy is still the most expensive for insurance companies, with an estimated $7.4 billion being paid in today’s dollars.
($1 = AUD 1.5850)
(Reported by Christine Chen in Sydney; Editor of Lincoln Feast.)
