Strong winds from Cyclone Debbie in the town of Bowen, south of the northern Australian city of Townsville. Photo: ReutersAyr (Australia): A “monster” cyclone smashed into northeast Australia Tuesday, cutting power, damaging buildings and uprooting trees, with coastal residents battling lashing rain and howling winds. Debbie has officially been declared a catastrophe by the Insurance Council of Australia, allowing them to prioritise claims from the disaster. Another 2,000 people in Bowen also moved, officials said, with many camped in cyclone shelters. Farmer Anthony Quirk’s main concern was for his 150 hectares of mung beans.“If it comes through here it will be over.

Source: Mint March 28, 2017 15:36 UTC