smh.com.au
Tropical Cyclone Alfred: Flooding Poses Greatest Threat
Tropical Cyclone Alfred threatens south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales with up to 400 millimeters of rain, posing a major flood risk exceeding that of wind damage; historical precedents suggest potentially devastating consequences.
- What is the primary threat posed by Tropical Cyclone Alfred, and what specific impacts are expected?
- Tropical Cyclone Alfred threatens south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales with potential flooding, exceeding 400 millimeters in some areas by Thursday or Friday. The greatest danger comes not from the cyclone itself, but from the ensuing, slow-moving ex-tropical cyclone which may cause widespread and potentially deadly flooding.
- What are the underlying factors contributing to the high risk of fatalities associated with flooding during and after a cyclone?
- The most significant risk is flooding, historically responsible for the majority of cyclone-related deaths. This risk is exacerbated by factors such as people ignoring road closures—especially younger men, outdoor workers, and 4WD drivers—underestimating floodwater depth and speed, and failing to recognize the potential for rapidly changing conditions.
- How do past instances of flooding in the region, both from cyclones and other weather systems, inform the current risk assessment?
- Historical parallels exist between Cyclone Alfred and past events like Cyclone Zoe (1974) and the Great Gold Coast Cyclone (1954), both of which caused significant flooding across the same regions. The 2022 floods in the same area, though not from an ex-tropical cyclone, highlight the vulnerability of the region to intense rainfall.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the story primarily around the potential for flooding, highlighting this as the biggest threat from the cyclone. While other dangers are mentioned, the focus on flooding and its historical context sets the narrative's tone and emphasis. The use of statistics regarding deaths from flooding further reinforces this emphasis.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and factual. Terms like "torrential rain" and "widespread flooding" are descriptive but not overly sensationalized. However, phrases like "ripping roofs from houses" and "tearing boats from their moorings" are used to create a more vivid image in the reader's mind which could be considered a form of loaded language, although it is unlikely to significantly bias the overall narrative.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the potential for flooding from ex-tropical Cyclone Alfred, but provides limited information on other potential impacts of the cyclone, such as strong winds and coastal erosion. While these are mentioned, they are not explored in the same depth as the flood risk. The article also does not discuss the economic or social impacts of potential flooding, focusing almost exclusively on the risk to life.
Gender Bias
The article mentions that younger men are more likely to enter floodwater, which could be seen as a subtle gender bias, although the context emphasizes the risk-taking behaviour rather than inherent gender traits.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the significant flooding risks associated with tropical cyclones and ex-tropical cyclones, impacting urban areas and communities. Historical examples like Cyclone Zoe (1974) and the Great Gold Coast Cyclone (1954) caused widespread flooding in Brisbane, Gold Coast, and areas south into NSW, demonstrating the vulnerability of cities and communities to extreme weather events. The potential for major flooding from Cyclone Alfred further underscores this risk.