As Cyclone Debbie forms off the coast of northeastern Australia, residents of Queensland are preparing for the worst.
Authorities are expecting major damage to structures and dangerous tidal surges as the storm makes landfall. The Bureau of Meteorology is calling it a category four storm. According to Yahoo News, residents “were told to prepare for the worst weather to pummel the state since Cyclone Yasi in 2011, which ripped houses from their foundations and devastated crops.”
“This is probably the largest evacuation we’ve ever had to do,” said Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. “This is going to be a monster of a cyclone.”
Some 5000 people have been evacuated while somewhere around 25,000 more have also been advised to find higher ground. Cyclone shelters are available to evacuees with nowhere to go.
As authorities watched Debbie build in strength, the storm was upgraded to a category 4 storm (out of 5) and warnings were issued that it may get worse. As of March 27th, winds are gusting at nearly 175 miles per hour at the center.
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is taking the threat seriously. “If you have received an official evacuation order,” he warned, “you and your family must leave immediately.”
