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.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred swept through southern Queensland and northern NSW over the weekend. As the storm clouds parted – and electricity came back on – we asked local businesses what we can do to support them.

Significant damage and power outages are possible in the densely populated region of Queensland, where tropical cyclones impacts are not uncommon but direct landfalls are.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred weakened into a tropical low Saturday as it neared Brisbane, Australia, bringing heavy rain and flooding risks to the region, according to officials. Initially expected to make landfall as the first cyclone to strike southeast Queensland since 1974, Alfred's winds dropped to under 39 mph (63 kph) as it shifted inland.

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.

Cyclone Alfred struck the east coast of Australia late Friday, unleashing strong winds, rough surf and dangerous rip currents along popular beaches over the weekend. An estimated 10 to 15 inches fell around Brisbane and on Moreton Island during the storm.

The worst of the weather may have passed, but Queenslanders are still grappling with the damage ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred wrought on the south-east. Those in the floodwaters path are cleaning up and salvaging what they can.

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,