The Wire

Cyclone Larry has hit far North Queensland with extreme and terrifying force. Innisfail, just south of Cairns, was hit earlier today by the category five cyclone, which is now moving inland. The ABC has reported that there’s widespread damage across far north Queensland, with many homes severely damaged. Premier Beattie has launched an appeal support the affected communities, such as Innisfail, which has seen many houses lose their roofs. There have also been unconfirmed reports of casualties. Cyclone Larry is on the scale of Cyclone Tracy that hit Darwin on Christmas Eve in 1974, killing 14 people and causing $390 million worth of damage. Dr Doug Gowdie from James Cook Universities Centre for Disaster Studies explained just how big Cyclone Larry was. Donations can be made by calling 1800 150 411.