Severe Winds and Heavy Rains Slam North‑East Australia
Queensland, Australia – January 12, 2026 -Tropical Cyclone Koji has ripped through the northeast coast of Queensland, bringing powerful winds, torrential rainfall, and causing widespread power outages for thousands of residents and businesses.
Koji, initially classified as a Category 1 cyclone when it made landfall between Ayr and Bowen, weakened quickly into a tropical low as it moved inland, but not before delivering damaging gusts and heavy rain across coastal and inland areas.
- Power outages: Around 15,000–22,000 properties lost electricity in the Whitsunday, Mackay, and surrounding regions.
- Wind and rain: Winds reached over 110 km/h, and rainfall totals exceeded 200–300 mm in some spots, leading to flash flood warnings.
- Recovery efforts: Utility crews are working around the clock to restore power, while local emergency services advise caution due to downed lines and flooded roads.
Queensland’s Premier emphasised that the cyclone’s weakening does not lessen the risk from heavy rainfall and flooding, urging residents to stay informed and heed weather advisories over the coming days.
FAQs
Q1: What was Cyclone Koji’s strength when it hit Queensland?
A: Koji made landfall as a Category 1 tropical cyclone, then downgraded to a low-pressure system as it moved inland.
Q2: How many people were affected by power outages?
A: Reports indicate roughly 15,000–22,000 homes and businesses lost electricity in the hardest-hit areas.
Q3: Are there risks after the cyclone passed?
A: Yes — widespread flood warnings, strong winds, and dangerous road conditions persist, especially where heavy rain has saturated catchments.
Q4: How long might power restoration take?
A: Crews have restored power to many areas, but restoration may continue for days in remote or heavily damaged locations.
Disclaimer
This article is independently written using verified information from multiple reputable news sources to provide a clear and original report. It does not reproduce content from any single site, and all facts are cross-checked for accuracy. Weather situations evolve — always refer to local authorities and meteorological services for the latest updates.
