- The Aftermath of Cyclone Tracy (http://ntlapp.nt.gov.au)
Immediately, Darwin has received donations of money from community groups and the wider Australian community to help rebuild what was lost and provide essentials such as food, water and clothing. Cyclone Tracy struck at approximately 10 pm yesterday (Christmas Day) and has wiped out complete areas and caused destruction of indescribable magnitude. Many victims have been rescued by emergency services, but the death toll of the event has now risen to 65. All personnel are urged to stay away from the area and to evacuate if close to the region as a further precaution, as there is not only massive destruction, but also dangerous circumstances. The Government has sent in armed forces immediately to help with the relief operations and provide urgent supplies and personnel. In just one day since the cyclone, the Royal Australian Air Force has airlifted 5,000 people out of Darwin to take them to safety. Fortunately the Commonwealth Government established a National Disasters Organisation earlier this year, which has allowed a surgical team and medical supplies to land in Darwin early this morning, as well as a disaster assessment team to check the damage and assist survivors.
- The Government has provided evacuation and help for Darwin, to minimise anymore risks.
It has just been released that 80% of Darwin has been destroyed!
All across Australia many are providing money, food and supplies to all who need it, the people of Alice Springs have also just released that they have raised over $105,000 for immediate cash assistance for cyclone victims.
If you have any information regarding the cyclone or need help, please contact Darwin emergency services on 131 444.
Many are concerned about health issues following the cyclone yesterday, luckily the Darwin Health Services and hospitals are well prepared for situations like this. Although there are a large number of people needing medical attention, the organisation is doing everything they can to help, including establishing extra first-aid centres around Darwin and even opening congregation centres for refuge for anyone without a home. Water is constantly being delivered by tankers and will continue until Darwin is back on its feet.
- Hospitals around Darwin have been opened around Darwin, to help those in need
"The combination of measures adopted, powerfully assisted by the mammoth evacuation exercise, resulted in a high standard of environmental control, which, without question, contributed to the virtual absence of disease.” – Gurd, CH (Health Management of Cyclone Tracy)