Queensland power outages: The deadly risk now Cyclone Debbie is over

WITH tens of thousands of Queenslanders without power and communications today, authorities are worried about another deadly threat.

Power lines have been damaged across the north, including at Slade Point, Mackay. Picture: Annette Dew

• What it’s like riding out a cyclone
• Cyclone Debbie in photos

RESIDENTS are being warned about protecting themselves against deadly generator fumes as tens of thousands of homes remain without power and communications this morning.

About 900 field staff from Ergon Energy, Energex and contractors are positioned north of Townsville and in the Rockhampton area ready to be sent in from both sides following the destruction of Cyclone Debbie.

More than 45,000 homes were last night without power in Airlie Beach, Cannonvale, Proserpine, Bowen, Mackay and the Northern Beaches of Mackay, and more were expected to black out due to continuing winds.

Heavy plant and vehicles are pre-deployed, as well as aircraft to inspect fallen powerlines across the region as soon as is deemed safe.

At least 10 Telstra base stations have been damaged and Optus is also experiencing ­outages in the Whitsunday, North Mackay and Airlie Beach regions.

Communications were also down on South Molle Island, Dingo Beach, Mackay Harbour, Mount Mary, Cannonvale, Wulguru and Hayman Island.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the loss of communications was a big problem.

“We don’t know how many people are injured, what’s the condition of people’s homes,” she said.

Energy Minister Mark Bailey said power would likely be out for several days in some areas.

“Restoration crews will work to restore power as soon as possible once safe access is possible when flood waters recede from roadways and debris is cleared,” he said.

Mr Bailey said those using generators to get through power outages should be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, fire and electrocution.

Generators should never be used inside, including in ­garages, carports, basements, crawlspaces, or other enclosed or partially enclosed areas, he said.