By Kristine Sabillo Heavy rainfall and flooding damaged homes and vehicles in Australia, with locals even reporting shark sightings in inland canals. Cyclone Alfred formed over the Coral Sea on Feb. 22,

Sharks have been sighted swimming through Gold Coast canals as Australia continued to struggle with heavy rain and flooding caused by Cyclone Alfred. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The storm reached the Queensland coast on Saturday as a "tropical low" after 16 days as a cyclone, prompting preparations by millions of residents.

One man died in floodwaters, the authorities said, and over 330,000 customers were without power in South East Queensland.

Cyclone Alfred causes severe flooding and power outages in Queensland and NSW, affecting over 300,000 residents. Government aid announced.- Watch Video on English Oneindia

Thousands of residents have been ordered to evacuate ahead of the storm's expected hit near Brisbane, Australia's 3rd-largest city.

Australia's east coast has been pounded by rain, wind and surf for a week, with Brisbane recording its highest daily rainfall in half a century.

The Australian government said on Monday it would activate financial support for workers who lost income due to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which has caused widespread flooding, power outages and property damage across the east coast.

Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred made landfall north of Brisbane on Saturday night, March 7, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and causing flash flooding across Queensland. One man died in the floodwaters,