La Nina Disaster

Disaster:  Cyclone Larry

Where:  Innisfail, Queensland at latitude 17.5 south and longitude 144.5 east

Weather Statistics:  Cyclone Larry began as a Low Pressure System over the

Coral Sea but then turned into a category 5 cyclone driving right through the North East cost of Queensland.  Cyclone Larry was huge almost covering the United States and had wind speeds of 290 kilometres per our and with gusts to 310-320 kilometres per hour.  After passing the coast at Innisfail, it soon was downgraded to a category 3 cyclone and then ending at a tropical storm.

How it Affected Communities:  Cyclone Larry caused massive destruction.  The worst affected communities in terms of damage to property were those closest to the eye wall of the cyclone as this is the source of the cyclone’s power.  Flooding as result of the torrential rain left many communities isolated for several days.  Business and Industries had massive devastation and had to deal with building damage as well as disruptions in water and power supplies.  As well as this, Public Infrastructure was destroyed including railways, airports and roads making transportation incredibly difficult.

There was also mass agricultural devastation.  The banana industry was decimated by Larry which caused the destruction of 75% of the nation’s supply costing an unbelievable AU$298.4 million.  Overall, Cyclone Larry caused flooding, mass business and industry destruction, isolation and the destruction of the banana industry all resulting in AU$350 million in damage.

How the Local, State, National Government and Emergency Services Reacted:

The Local, State, National Government and Emergency Services worked together to help the devastation Cyclone Larry had left.  The Local Government provided food, water and shelter for those in the worst affected areas.  Basic household necessities were provided as well as the opening of evacuation centres and the use of search and rescue procedures.

The State Government provided brochures and broadcasts of what to do, where to go and most importantly, how to stay alive.  They also provided large quantities of resources needed to remove danger and repair the damage caused including power generators, tarps, chainsaws, fuel, earthmoving equipment, food and portable water.  Groups like the State Emergency Services (SES) provided workshops in communities to make sure people are prepared for other disasters in the near future as well as ensuring everyone that help was being provided.

The Federal Government established services to help with financial difficulties.  Emergency Management Australia (EMA) appointed Major General Peter Cosgrove to lead the overall response to Cyclone Larry.  Peter Cosgrove coordinated government departments, emergency services, the military and community groups in responding to damage over the North East of Queensland.  The Federal Government also provided expertise like search and rescue plans and drills to save those who were trapped or isolated.  They assisted by offering personnel and financial assistance to local residents, business owners and farmers.