Cyclone Debbie Dash for safety as storm smashes into coast

Cyclone Debbie Dash for safety as storm smashes into coast

NEWS: goo.gl/a3kAcQ



Catastrophe’ declared



Cyclone Debbie has been declared a “catastrophe” by the Insurance Council of Australia. ICA chief Rob Whelan said it was too early to estimate the cost of damage, but said insurers were expecting thousands of claims in the coming weeks. Policyholders needing help can contact the ICA’s disaster hotline on 1800 734 621.



Since 2006 insurers have paid more than $3.6 billion in cyclone-related claims in Queensland.



Cyclone Yasi, which caused extensive damage to less populated areas in the state’s far north, caused insured losses of $1.4 billion.



Cyclone eye crosses coast



Residents are having a brief respite as the calm eye of the powerful but slow moving Cyclone Debbie crosses the Queensland coast just north of Airlie Beach.



Debbie made landfall at around 12.30pm (AEST) travelling at a speed of about 10km/h.



Residents have been warned to stay indoors as the eye passes, with destructive winds from the category 4 system to again lash the region when the tail end of the storm moves across the coast.



The storm is expected to track in a southwesterly direction, with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting it will weaken to a category three storm at 6pm. It is expected to further weaken to a tropical low by midday on Wednesday when it swings back around to the southeast.



The low pressure system is expected to bring heavy rain to the state’s southeast later in the week.



Disaster plan activated



Malcolm Turnbull says the thoughts and prayers of all Australians are with the people of north Queensland, as Cyclone Debbie crosses the coastline. The prime minister told parliament on Tuesday conditions in the region were “deteriorating rapidly” as destructive winds of up to 270km/h were being felt from the Category 4 storm.



“The federal and Queensland governments have prepared well for the onset of this cyclone. We have activated the disaster response plan,” Mr Turnbull said.