Day one: 20th March 2006
9:00AM EST
The day begins and already news of Cyclone Larry spreads through the country. The category four storm (downgraded from five) with wind speed of up to 290km/h hit Ingham, Northern Queensland, this morning leaving many homeless and thousands without electricity, water or access communication. The Atherton tablelands were also affected.
Reports from The Bureau of Meteorology indicate another cyclone behind Larry. Cyclone Wati, as the named it, is a category two at the moment and is “expected to move in a general westerly direction over the next day or so and be in the central Coral Sea by Wednesday."
5:00PM EST
Cyclone Larry has now been downgraded to category two and winds have settled to approximately 150km/h. Larry is affecting the Northern Goldfeilds and is expected to continue moving southwest at 25 to 35km/h passing near Croydon at about 9:00PM this evening.
Day two: 21st March 2006
4:00PM EST
It’s day two and news of cyclone Larry is in the papers. The most significant damage done was to Queensland’s sugar cane and Banana industry with losses up to $300 million.
“…Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Cathy Muler said Cyclone Tracey, which hit Darwin in 1974, had been a “midget" in comparison to Larry."
Seventy-nine year old Innisfail resident, Vince O’Farrel, took shelter in his home while his daughter was across the town. With the phone cut off and the power down, Vince had no way of knowing how his daughter, Noeleen, was until the storm passed. “It was pretty scary." said Mr O’Farrel.
Five hours later, the storm moved on and Noeleen came out ofher hiding place to see the damage done. Trees uprooted and debris was only the beginning, a few streets away, a whole house was missing.
People are warned to watch out for Cyclone Wati, as it appears to be on the same route as Cyclone Larry.
Day three: 22nd March 2006
4:00PM EST
United states president George W Bush has offered Cyclone victims US help in a personal phone call to Prime Minister John Howard yesterday.
“The President rang to express his concern about Cyclone Larry in North Queensland and to inquire about the extent of the damage," Stated Mr Howard. “(Bush) said that if there was any assistance we needed, the United States would be willing to provide it. Of course we are able, ourselves, to look after this."
“Australia’s US embassy has been flooded with offers of help and expressions of concern from survivors of Hurricane Katrina, which devastated New Orleans last year."
Because of the contaminated water, a concern of disease arises. “Public health experts have been called in and troops have set up a water purification unit to help prevent the spread of disease and infection."
No serious injuries or deaths have been reported.
Day four: 23rd March 2006
4:00PM EST
The worst of the cyclones has passed and now Australia turns to aid the victims. Prime Minister John Howard has created an aid package.
“Under the package, $10 000 tax-free grants will go to small businesses affected by the disaster, while unemployment benefits will be paid to affected farmers and small businesses for six months. The Federal and Queensland governments have also agreed to make available concessional loans of up to $200 000."
“No interest or principal would need to be repaid in the first two years of the loan, Mr Howard said. “In addition if the money borrowed is used for re-establishing a business such as replanting sugar cane…we will make available 25 per cent of the $200 000 loan as a cash grant." Mr Howard said.
Hopefully this will help the victims of Cyclone Larry.
Day five: 24th March 2006
4:00PM EST
Cyclone Larry has devastated North Queensland and left millions of dollars in damage. Hopefully Prime Minister John Howard can pull Australia through this after rejecting aid from the USA.
Although the cyclone had lasted a week, the damage will continue for years to come. |
