Cyclone Tracy!

Click here to see photographs of the damage caused by the cyclone on 26th December, 1974.

Description of Cyclone Tracy

Cyclone Tracy caused much damage to Darwin and destroyed many houses, farms and local buildings. Cyclone Tracy had wind speed up to 200km/h.

It blew for five hours and made an unbelievable noise. 90% of the buildings were destroyed. There were many cyclone warnings, but no-one obeyed them.

Immediate effect of Cyclone Tracy

Many people in Darwin were left homeless after the cyclone hit their homes. Buildings and homes were destroyed which cost Darwin large amounts of money for rebuilding. It killed 50 people and hundreds were injured. It left 30000 people homeless. There was a food shortage and no fresh water which made a fear of disease breakout. Electricity failed and many people had nightmares.

Social Impact of Cyclone Tracy

Many organisations helped with the disaster, these included: National Disasters Organisation, Darwin's Emergency Service, RAAF, Qantas, TAA, Ansett Airways, RAF, RNZAF, US Airforce and Darwin's Reconstruction Committee. Medical teams helped with the sick and $250 million dollars was donated to Darwin for reconstruction. Other parts of Australia donated money, food, clothing, building materials, blankets and medical supplies.

Emergency Management Australia

This organisation helps when national disasters occur.

What Australians learned as a result of Cyclone Tracy:

Australians learned that natural disasters can happen any time and anywhere. They learned about different ways to prepare for cyclones. Society learned that they needed more cyclone shelters and to fill bottles with fresh water in case of water shortage. They learned to take notice of cyclone warnings.

Research by Kristina and Carolyn 6H.

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Elanora Heights Primary School Computer Co-ordinator : Judith Bennett

This page was last modified on 18th June, 1998