Alice Springs hit by severe storms causing widespread damage

A severe storm in Central Australia has caused widespread destruction, prompting the Federal and Northern Territory Governments to activate disaster recovery assistance. The relief efforts target the Alice Springs Town Council, MacDonnell Regional Council, and Central Desert Regional Council areas.

The storm, which occurred on a Monday afternoon, resulted in significant property damage, including ripped roofs, fallen trees, and large hailstones. At the peak of the weather event, approximately 9,000 of Alice Springs’ 12,000 electricity customers lost power. While crews have worked to restore service, thousands remained without electricity into the following day.

Disaster recovery funding includes one-off payments of up to $16,901 per household for essential structural repairs where insurance is insufficient. Primary producers may also access freight subsidies of up to 50 per cent, capped at $15,000, for items such as emergency fodder or replacement fencing. Additionally, grants of up to $10,000 are available for non-profit organisations to support community recovery.