Australia: Woman killed, more than 100,000 homes left without power due to severe thunderstorm

WORLD, Dec. 26 (YPA) – A woman has been killed and more than 100,000 homes were left without power on Christmas Eve in northern Australia as a result of severe thunderstorms in the region.

The Queensland City Ambulance Service said on Tuesday that a 59-year-old woman died after being hit by a tree at Helensvale on the Gold Coast.

Energy company Energex said the storm caused “catastrophic” damage and knocked down power wires in Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, and the city of Gold Coast, 80km south of it.

It said the storm knocked out more than 800 power lines, causing power outages for 120,000 homes.

The company added in a social media post: “There is no easy way to say this, but some customers will not have access to electricity for several days. “We are witnessing catastrophic and widespread damage.”

“Reports of more damage are arriving every minute.”

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Authority expected the region to witness later on Tuesday, severe thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds, large hail, and heavy rain.

The weather service also warned of the risk of river flooding near the Gold Coast.

E.M