Australia’s Cyclone

Almost a month ago, a powerful cyclone threatened northern Australia, damaging homes, wrecking jetties and cutting power to thousands of people. Despite issuing evacuation orders, police told Reuters they were not sure how many people had heeded their advice the day before (Monday 27th) Although only about 400 people went to cyclone shelters as the winds gathered strength, making it more dangerous, it could have been the biggest evacuation seen in Australia since Cyclone Tracy devastated the northern city of Darwin on Christmas Day, 1974. Townsville airport was closed and airlines Qantas, Jetstar, Rex and Virgin Australia cancelled several flights. Authorities said it was too dangerous to venture outside and risk to receive damage. Emergency response crews were also sheltered until the storm finished. The wind gusts were stronger than 260 km per hour confirming that it was a category 4. Also the torrential rain flooded streets and wind smashed windows, uprooted trees and tossed debris through streets, cutting roads and leaving residents climbing into roofs and floating down streets in boats. All this happened during March 27th and 31st.