Queenslanders told to flee coastal cyclone

TENS of thousands of residents and tourists across north-east Australia were told to evacuate yesterday as a category four tropical cyclone made its way towards the region with wind speeds of more than 130 miles an hour.

Cyclone Debbie was expected to make landfall overnight, with officials warning residents of low-lying coastal areas to leave over fears it would bring wave surges more than eight feet above high tide levels.

The cyclone’s intensity was increasing yesterday and it was due to hit the coast near Bowen, a coastal town in Queensland. More than 30,000 people in the town have been told to leave.

“Don’t wait till tomorrow, because you will not be able to move,” said Ian Stewart, the local police commissioner.

Strong winds and rain had already begun to hit the state’s north-east coast, an area filled with resorts which are popular with travellers visiting the Great Barrier Reef.

Several island resorts which are potentially in the cyclone’s path warned guests to stay in their rooms.

“All guests have been advised to remain in their rooms or the main atrium area – which are cyclone rated – for the next 24 to 36 hours depending on the path of the cyclone,” said a statement from Daydream Island resort.

Andrew Willcox, the mayor of the local council, said he was concerned the cyclone could “wipe” Bowen off the map. “Everyone’s pretty laid back in these coastal communities so we’re trying to get them fired up to take this cyclone seriously,” he said.

Graham Wilson, a Bowen resident, painted a large sign on a wooden fence, saying: “Cyclone Debbie, bring it on … ”