After the deluge: Communities take stock after Alfred wreaks havoc
31 ImagesThe Age photographer Justin McManus visited the Gold Coast hinterland to document how communities were dealing with the trail of destruction left by ex-tropical cyclone Alfred.
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Springbrook, in the Gold Coast hinterland, received over 500 millimetres of rainfall and high winds brought down power lines that have left the mountain community without power for over a week.Credit:
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Resident and artist Alison Dittman lives with her mother, June, endured a power outage for more than a week, having to carry water for toilet systems and not being able to shower. They had their first shower in nine days on the day this picture was taken.Credit:
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Climate adaptation expert Johanna Nalau says south-east Queensland isn’t prepared for extreme weather.Credit:
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Sarah Bruhn (right) and her family were without power and trapped in their town for more than a week.Credit:
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Springbrook resident Scott Miller surveys the storm damage to his home.Credit:
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Local woman Melody Muchow feeding her daughter Meadow. The family hasn’t had power for seven days, although they have a generator, it is of limited use in the running of the house.Credit:
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Binna Burra Mountain Lodge chair Steve Noakes says climate change is the greatest threat to the eco retreat.Credit:
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Paolo Zincone cooks on an outdoor gas burner and listens to the radio. After so many blackouts in Springbrook, he’s philosophical about living without power.Credit:
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Locals CeeCee Evans and Draven Wilson try to jump start their car after being stranded for eight days at their home by power lines brought down by trees.Credit:
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Maggie Muchow reading under the limited light in the family home.Credit:
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Sarah Bruhn preparing dinner. Her extended family have been stranded for eight days by downed power lines at the entrance to their home.Credit:
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A downed tree over a road in Springbrook.Credit:
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Local woman Melody Muchow delivers hot food to friend Sarah Bruhn. Sarah is new to the town and doesn’t have a generator.Credit:
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Shanti Griffin (left) and her extended family have been stranded for eight days at their home after power lines brought down trees at the entrance to their home.Credit:
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Sarah and Shanti selecting cooking ingredients for dinner.Credit:
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Shanti cooking marshmallows on the open fire.Credit:
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Sarah preparing dinner. Credit:
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Miller Muchow playing piano under the limited light in the family home. Credit:
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Distressed elderly resident Peter Handy speaking with community leader Kara Froggatt. Peter has a number of medical conditions and is becoming increasingly stressed with the power outage.Credit:
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June Fitzpatrick after her first shower in over a week at the Community Hall and refuge centre.Credit:
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Springbook Community Hall and refuge centre.Credit:
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Locals gather for darts and drinks at the local cafe and bar.Credit:
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Darts and drinks provide locals with a brief distraction. Credit:
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It is the ninth day without power for many locals.Credit:
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An employee takes locals’ orders.Credit:
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Locals embrace and share stories.Credit:
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Locals share a drink together.Credit:
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Long time resident Paolo Zincone at his home, after darts and drinks at the bar. Credit:
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Paolo cooks on a outdoor gas burner and occupies his time listening to the radio. After so many blackouts in Springbrook, many residents are prepared and philosophical about living without power, given the environment they live in.Credit:
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Paolo Zincone at his home.Credit:
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Community leader Kara Froggatt with local girl Peyton Martin.Credit:
