Hundred-year storm hits northern Queensland

An intense 180mph category five tropical cyclone has made landfall in northern Queensland, Australia. The area contains no major cities, but the town of Innisfail has been devastated, with as many as 50 percent of properties having their roofs torn off, according to Frank Pagano, Executive Director Counter Disaster and Rescue Services, Queensland Department of Emergency Services. The smaller town of Babinda was even more badly affected by the storm.

Power supplies are cut in the area and ten mobile power generation plants are heading to the area, however the installation of these will be hampered by transport problems: all main roads and railway lines in the affected area are reported to be blocked and the regional airport is closed due to continued high winds.

Casualties are said to be light, with no serious injuries or missing people reported.

The area is mainly an agricultural and horticultural area, with banana growing the main crop. The Australian Banana Growers Council told the Sydney Morning Herald that “the storm had wrecked the industry, ruining 200,000 tonnes of fruit worth $300 million and leaving up to 4,000 people out of work.”

Australian Prime Minister John Howard has issued a statement saying that disaster recovery funds will be made available to the region and that the Australian Defence Force is on standby to deploy assets in support of Queensland Government led rescue and relief operations.

Latest updates: http://www.emergency.qld.gov.au/

•Date: 20th March 2006• Region: Australia • Type: Article •Topic: DR general
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