Thousands of Australians without power after tropical cyclone hits Queensland

Sydney [Australia], January 11 (ANI/WAM): Thousands of people in Australia's northeast state of Queensland were without power on Sunday after a tropical cyclone crossed the coast, bringing heavy rain and destructive winds, Reuters reported.

Koji, a category one cyclone, made landfall between the towns of Ayr and Bowen, about 500 km (310 miles) north of the state capital Brisbane, before weakening to a tropical low, the nation's weather forecaster said.

The storm, with wind gusts of up to 95 kph (59 mph) and heavy rain, hit coastal towns including Mackay, a tourist hub and gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, it said.

Queensland state Premier David Crisafulli said around 15,000 properties had lost power due to Koji, which had also damaged property and boats, and closed roads. Koji brought rainfall of up to 200 mm (7.8 inches) to some areas overnight and was expected to result in heavy downpours over the next 24 to 48 hours, Crisafulli said. (ANI/WAM)

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