Australia: Trail of destruction as Storm Alfred rages; more than 300,000 people without power

One person drowned and 13 soldiers were injured as downgraded tropical cyclone Alfred continued to batter Australia's east coast, while leaving more than 300,000 people without power

The category 2 tropical cyclone, which weakened into a tropical low, brought heavy rain and strong winds, triggering severe flood warnings and widespread disruptions after making landfall on Saturday. 

Meteorologists predict flash floods

The Queensland city of Gold Coast was hardest hit, with over 112,000 residents losing power.

"Customers need to be prepared to be without power for several days," Queensland's Essential Energy said in a statement. "The biggest challenges to getting power back on will be rising flood waters and swollen creek beds, fallen vegetation and mud slides impacting access roads."

Emergency services reported knee-high floodwaters in affected areas, forcing rescues, while around 1,000 state schools were asked to remain closed.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said decisions on reopening schools would be made based on safety conditions. 

Brisbane Airport reopened on Sunday, but authorities warned of potential disruptions.

Man drowns after car swept away by flood

In New South Wales, emergency alerts remain in place for thousands of residents, with officials warning against driving into floodwaters.

On Saturday, a 61-year-old man drowned after his vehicle was swept away, while 13 soldiers were injured in a truck rollover in the city of Lismore during rescue efforts. 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Sunday that the situation in Queensland and northern New South Wales "remains very serious due to flash-flooding and heavy winds."

"Heavy rainfall, damaging wind gusts, and coastal surf impacts are expected to continue over coming days," Albanese said in televised remarks.