| Darwin has a history of cyclonic weather, being so | | | | buildings were no match for this, and the scene |
| close to the equator, this is not surprising. Although | | | | resembled a bombing raid, when dawn finally arrived |
| thankfully, most tropical cyclones pass them by, | | | | next morning. |
| occasionally, a nasty twist of fate, takes a hand. | | | | The death toll, even today, varies, depending on the |
| The area has been subjected to devastating cyclones | | | | source you research, from 89 to 151. There were 15 |
| in 1897, 1939 and 1974. The most damaging being 1974, | | | | people listed as missing, and still are. |
| by Cyclone Tracy, mainly because of the increase in | | | | Thus began, the biggest air lift and rescue mission ever |
| population and buildings. | | | | faced in Australia. Emergency contingencies sprung |
| Having been subjected to several previous 'cyclone | | | | into action. The enormous task of getting facilities up |
| watches' in the weeks leading up to Cyclone Tracy. In | | | | and running again was a daunting one. |
| true 'territorian' fashion, the fact that Tracy was | | | | In that tropical heat, lack of water and electricity posed |
| several hundred kilometers to their northwest, the | | | | a health hazard. It was essential to evacuate most of |
| cyclone watch was not taken too seriously by most | | | | the surviving population quickly, before diseases began. |
| of the population. They went about their normal | | | | In true Aussie fashion, billets were quickly found for |
| Christmas Day preparations. | | | | refugees in southern states, and the generosity of our |
| Parties were underway, children tucked into bed, | | | | country came to the fore, with donations of money, |
| eagerly awaiting Santa Claus, presents were under | | | | food, clothing etc. Also many countries throughout the |
| the Christmas tree, things were 'normal'. | | | | world gave generously too. And the enormous task of |
| Around 9pm, Tracy took a quick swing to the south, | | | | rebuilding a complete city began. |
| and Darwin was right in it's path. Swooping in at | | | | These days, the building regulations in Darwin are a lot |
| speeds not previously encountered. It was soon a | | | | stricter and in accordance with cyclone resistance. |
| roaring, destructive force, wind speeds exceeded 217 | | | | Hopefully these will never have to be put to the test. |
| km per hour (138 miles per hour). The flimsily built | | | | |