Meta Blocks Facebook Search Results for Cyclone Alfred Amid Emergency Warnings
Meta has blocked or hidden Facebook search results for Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which is approaching Australia’s east coast, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported Wednesday. The platform is crucial for emergency communication in Australia, often used to relay evacuation orders and crisis updates. Despite over 300,000 accounts discussing the cyclone, searches returned empty or unrelated results. Some news content began reappearing after ABC contacted Meta, but the company has not commented.
Cyclone Alfred is expected to bring destructive winds, storms, and heavy rain across Queensland and New South Wales when it makes landfall between Thursday and Friday. Authorities have issued “watch and act” warnings in northern NSW, advising residents to stay indoors unless ordered to evacuate due to flooding risks.
In preparation, Brisbane residents have collected 400,000 sandbags—more than double the amount used during the 2022 floods. Emergency services continue to monitor the storm’s progress, urging citizens to remain alert.
