Being 1900 k (1200 m ) away where eerily still the morning after while north east coast of Queensland is still being battered as front of Yasi moves inland.
Ironically the over all population has risen as it being reported at least three babies born in safe haven centres.
NO DEATHS reported as people had two days warning to batten down or move out.
Of interest is that the eye followed a 2006 route cyclone Larry so houses in path all built to cyclone standards . Winds reached 280 kph. Houses built along coast are cyclone proof designed, which has minimised structural damage. Cyclone also reached coast later than predicted which meant tides were receding so less coastal inundation.
Too early to assess damage because winds are now only abating in eye path to allow authorities on roads . Taken 8 hours from when hit coast . Early pics show banana plantations decimated. Area is where 80% of OZ bananas come from.
Just reported Cyclone Yasi now dropped down from cat 5 to cat 2 as now 200 k inland .
For those interested cyclone eye hit landfall in Tully area.
RADU
Hurricane or Cyclone, they are nothing nice, hopefully everyone was prepared, buildings can be rebuilt or replaced, lives cannot.
Our thoughts are with our friends down under.
I read where some of the previously severely flooded areas are expecting 3 FEET of rain. When will they get a break?
Thanks for the update Richard. Sounds like the tide helped out with how much is going to push inland so that's at least one plus on this storm. It's still huge even though it's now losing some strength.
