Devastating storms have claimed the lives of 10 people on the east coast of Australia. The storms resulted in power outages that affected more than 100,000 homes, with 800 powerlines down in Queensland. Tragedy struck when a boat capsized in Moreton Bay near Brisbane, leading to the deaths of three men. Additionally, two women were swept away in floodwaters in Gympie, Queensland. In Victoria, two bodies were discovered at a campground and a third individual died after a tree branch fell on his property. Among the victims was a young girl named Mia Holland-McCormack, as well as two former Queensland rugby union players, David Logan and Stephen Tait. Queensland Premier Steven Miles expressed heartbreak over the deaths and extended thoughts and prayers to the affected families. Disaster assistance has been made available for affected areas. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to the Australians who lost their lives in the severe weather.
In Western Australia, firefighter Harry Stead tragically lost his life while battling an out-of-control blaze at a farming property near Esperance. The 20-year-old volunteer firefighter had received hundreds of tributes and was described as kind, fun-loving, and active by his loved ones.