Cyclone Larry

At his most ferocious, Larry, a category 5 cyclone had a pressure reading of 915hPa just before he hit the coast at Innisfail. That rose to 930hPa as he crossed the coastline bringing destructive 300kmh wind gusts and driving rain.

Residents had early warning and those who wanted to be, were evacuated in good time, especially those on the resort islands of Dunk and Begarra Islands.

The destruction is amazing, according to some who were in contact with media organisations via mobile phones. One resident said she heard the electricity transponders explode down the road. Others reported garden sheds, signs, tree branches and at least one chicken, flying at speed down the roads.

The Australian Army at Townsville, two hours south of the impact zone, worked all night to prepare for this event, loading essential items like water, food, tarpaulins and chainsaws. They were ready to go on a moment's notice.

Larry is currently category three and is wreaking havoc on the Atherton Tablelands as he moves closer to the Gulf of Carpentaria. This is good because he will be away from land, but bad because he'll have the opportunity to re-intensify before moving on to the Northern Territory.

Both the sugar cane and banana crops have been devastated. "Flattened" one farmer reported, and at least one in three houses have been damaged; some totally destroyed.

Following on from Larry, cyclone Wati, currently category 1 is moving towards Queensland and could hit later on this week.

Minor injuries have been reported, as have missing people. So far, details on casualties is sketchy at best, with the Cairns Base Hospital reporting at least 20 cases so far. That, no doubt, will rise as the army arrives to take charge.

Queensland Premier, Peter Beattie, has declared the area a disaster zone and a hotline is being set up.

The long term effects of this one cyclone will be felt for some time, economically, environmentally and socially; in the short term, the clean up has already begun.

The rest of us Aussies will be there for the people of Innisfail, no matter what and we're all thinking of you guys up north. Stay safe.