Powerful Cyclone Causes Damage along Australia's Northeastern Coast

March 21, 2006

Cyclone Larry, with winds reaching up to 290 km/h, swept across the town of Innisfail and other parts of the Queensland state of Australia on Monday, March 20. The Category 5 storm-the maximum severity rating for tropical cyclones-caused few injuries according to news reports, but devastated cane and banana crops. About 90 percent of the country's banana crops are produced in the region, and officials say it could be years before the industry is back on track.

According to CBC News On-line, "Businesses and homes in Innisfail have been heavily damaged, with about one in three buildings in the town of 8,500 needing repairs. More than 80,000 people in the town and the surrounding area don't have electricity, and hundreds who lost their homes are hunkered down in emergency shelters. Officials estimate the damage could top $800 million."

Australian soldiers and engineers are working to provide 9,000 litres of water and food rations and to set up a water purification unit that can produce up to 7,500 litres of drinking water per hour. Local officials are also concerned about possible disease outbreaks caused by blocked drains and continuing rain and have called in public health experts. Resources at the local hospital are apparently stretched.

So far no reports have been issued by Australian churches or Action by Churches Together* (ACT International). The United Church has sent a message of support to the National Council of Churches of Australia * (NCCA) and is awaiting word of any particular needs the Council might have.

As of this time (afternoon, March 21), the United Church has no information about where any donations received from United Church members might be sent. As soon as we have such information it will be posted on the website, along with any other relevant information about the affects of the cyclone. For those wishing to send donations now, we will route the funds to qualified emergency response organizations once we have the information needed to do so.

We encourage members to pray for Australians who have lost their homes and businesses.

For more information please contact:

Gary Kenny

Emergency Response Coordinator
Justice, Global and Ecumenical Relations Unit
Tel: 416-231-7680 ext. 4051