Patients evacuated from Cairns hospitals as 'potentially deadly' Cyclone Yasi approaches

http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2011/02/01/1225998/132881-cairns.gif

THE RAAF will mount an emergency airlift from Cairns of 205 hospital patients, some of them critically ill, as thousands flee low-lying coastal areas of north Queensland threatened by Cyclone Yasi.

The patients will be flown to Brisbane tonight aboard medivac-equipped air force Hercules planes, in a dramatic escalation of the emergency ahead of the expected impact early on Thursday of the monster category four cyclone.

Thousands of people were today also fleeing the expected impact zone of the “potentially deadly” Cyclone Yasi, most heading south or west.

Premier Anna Bligh warned that people had to be sensible in the face of “the display of awesome power” of the approaching cyclone, which is packing winds of 250km/h.

Disaster coordinator Ian Stewart said police and emergency crews were doorknocking vulnerable areas in the cyclone path's and asking people to voluntarily relocate. But mandatory evacuations would be enforced if that became necessary, he said.

Link -
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/in-depth/cyclone-yasi/evacuations-begin-ahead-of-the-arrival-of-the-powerful-cyclone-yasi/story-fn7rj0ye-1225997968847
==============
For those who don't know Cairns, it is a large population centre, which is also very low lying and could be very suspectible to Flooding, particularly at high tide!

As can be seen from the above photos, it is very low lying and it is very exposed, particularly if the cyclone arrives at high tide.

And, much Holiday accommodation & the CBD are situated very adjacent to the seashore.

That said, even if Yasi does not impact Cairns directly, it will still pose a major threat to Cairns and surrounding towns, because of the size of the cyclone.

There are many medium size towns in the area and it would just not be feasible to evacuate everyone, in the wider Cairns area.

So, those who are staying, prepare and bunker down in the safest place you can find!

Whilst it seems likely there will be property damage, if we take a lead from the likely size & strength of the cyclone, we hope that you will all be safe!    

It's a biggy perceptions. The eye of the cyclone is 100km wide, the whole width is 500km, that covers a lot of towns. They're are not setting up evacuation centres until after the cyclone hits, just too many people to handle.

Best of luck Cairns people!!!!

Why are they called cyclones and not hurricanes - out of interest?

I've been in a hurricane before but not a cyclone. I presume they are the same thing?

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Feb 1^st, 2011 at 4:32pm:

Why are they called cyclones and not hurricanes - out of interest? I've been in a hurricane before but not a cyclone. I presume they are the same thing?

It's more the other way, "why are they called hurricanes and not cyclones".

In the study of meteorology the term "cyclone" is the correct one - you won't find much mention of a hurricane other than to clear up the peculiarities of regional terminology. This still holds true in the US where the popular term for a cyclone is "hurricane".

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Feb 1^st, 2011 at 4:32pm:

Why are they called cyclones and not hurricanes - out of interest? I've been in a hurricane before but not a cyclone. I presume they are the same thing?

The name of the storm system varies according to the place of origin of these storms.

Cyclones - Storms are called cyclones if they are formed over the Indian Ocean and Southwestern Pacific Ocean i.e. near Africa and Australia.

Typhoon - Storms are called typhoons if they are formed in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean i.e. near Asia.

Hurricane - Storms are referred to as hurricanes if formed in Atlantic Ocean and Eastern Pacific Ocean i.e., near Gulf of Mexico and America.

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Feb 1^st, 2011 at 4:14pm:

It's a biggy perceptions. The eye of the cyclone is 100km wide, the whole width is 500km, that covers a lot of towns. They're are not setting up evacuation centres until after the cyclone hits, just too many people to handle. Best of luck Cairns people!!!!

Do you guys think it will be bigger than cyclone Tracy in Darwin?

We are about due for another one of these.

100k wide?

Massive!!! :o

mellie wrote on Feb 1^st, 2011 at 6:22pm:

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Feb 1st, 2011 at 4:14pm: It's a biggy perceptions. The eye of the cyclone is 100km wide, the whole width is 500km, that covers a lot of towns. They're are not setting up evacuation centres until after the cyclone hits, just too many people to handle. Best of luck Cairns people!!!! Do you guys think it will be bigger than cyclone Tracy in Darwin? We are about due for another one of these. 100k wide? Massive!!! :o

500km wide mellie, the eye is 100km.... I would be far away from there by now, but I suppose not everyone can leave. Tracey was a cat 5   the biggest, this is supposed to be a high rating 4 by the time it hits land.

Cyclone Tracy was tiny compared to TC Yasi. They are probably of similar intensity (based on current predictions).

Darwin then was also tiny in comparison to Cairns now (at a guess Cairns is now about three or four times the size of what Darwin was in 1974).

Sorry,  I can't paste pictures (have tried & failed),  but have a look at this link

http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2011/02/01/147301_cyclone.html

Yasi is nearly as big as Queensland.  I hope and pray that it will lessen in intensity before it reaches land as it looks terrifying -  far worse than Larry which wreaked such havoc six years ago.  

The problem with Tracy was that people were terribly unprepared, this and too laid back (being Xmas)...  they didn't take the warnings seriously enough, and some of the newer houses were not really built to sustain cyclonic type winds.

I doubt we'll ever see another Tracy, but if we do, I think people will be more inclined to take the warnings more seriously next time.

If it's a Cat 4, it could downgrade to a 3 before it even crosses the land, and if so... it wont be too much of a problem.

I think after QLD's recent flooding, they are more worried about Cairns being in a gully and yet even more flooding.

Cant blame them. ::)

My father lives in QLD...and thinks it will more than likely downgrade to a tropical storm (like a 3) and dump on some sparsely populated dust-area, this or just peter back out to sea, hitting a few tiny evacuated islands on the way in or out.

But then, he said that about Cyclone Avue too... :P

Anyway, I hope they panic more than either myself or my father....this and get the hell out as a precaution, rather than put their lives at risk.

I wish them well...but I think it will be OK!

It's due to cross the shore at 1 am Thursday morning, I think if it was going to be another Tracy, it would already be a 5 by now...and coral reefs protect shores from tropical storms and Tsunamis..(to a degree also)...another reason why Darwin copped it worse with Tracy, not having much protection!

nichy wrote on Feb 1^st, 2011 at 7:38pm:

Sorry,  I can't paste pictures (have tried & failed),  but have a look at this link http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2011/02/01/147301_cyclone.html Yasi is nearly as big as Queensland.  I hope and pray that it will lessen in intensity before it reaches land as it looks terrifying -  far worse than Larry which wreaked such havoc six years ago.

nichy,
The web address you provided (the following) is the web address for the whole page of that article.
http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2011/02/01/147301_cyclone.html

Were you looking for the following picture?
http://www.cairns.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2011/02/01/cyclone100.jpg

If so, then you will need to right click on the picture you want and depending on what software you're using, you will then need to -
1) Go to "Properties" in the pop-up box, then copy the URL Address and paste that address in your post.
Then hightlight that URL Address and hit then insert image Icon, which is third from the left, top right.
2) Click onto "Copy Image Location" in the pop-up box, then paste that URL address in your post.
Then hightlight that URL Address and hit then insert image Icon, which is third from the left, top right.

I hope that makes sense?

philperth2010 wrote on Feb 1^st, 2011 at 6:09pm:

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Feb 1st, 2011 at 4:32pm: Why are they called cyclones and not hurricanes - out of interest? I've been in a hurricane before but not a cyclone. I presume they are the same thing? The name of the storm system varies according to the place of origin of these storms. Cyclones - Storms are called cyclones if they are formed over the Indian Ocean and Southwestern Pacific Ocean i.e. near Africa and Australia. Typhoon - Storms are called typhoons if they are formed in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean i.e. near Asia. Hurricane - Storms are referred to as hurricanes if formed in Atlantic Ocean and Eastern Pacific Ocean i.e., near Gulf of Mexico and America.

Phil is correct!

Another difference, is that Cyclones rotate clockwise in the Southern hemisphere, whilst Hurricanes rotate anti-clockwise in the Northern hemisphere.  

perceptions_now wrote on Feb 1^st, 2011 at 8:55pm:

philperth2010 wrote on Feb 1st, 2011 at 6:09pm: Andrei.Hicks wrote on Feb 1st, 2011 at 4:32pm: Why are they called cyclones and not hurricanes - out of interest? I've been in a hurricane before but not a cyclone. I presume they are the same thing? The name of the storm system varies according to the place of origin of these storms. Cyclones - Storms are called cyclones if they are formed over the Indian Ocean and Southwestern Pacific Ocean i.e. near Africa and Australia. Typhoon - Storms are called typhoons if they are formed in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean i.e. near Asia. Hurricane - Storms are referred to as hurricanes if formed in Atlantic Ocean and Eastern Pacific Ocean i.e., near Gulf of Mexico and America. Phil is correct! Another difference, is that Cyclones rotate clockwise in the Southern hemisphere, whilst Hurricanes rotate anti-clockwise in the Northern hemisphere.

No. They are all cyclones - whether in the northern or southern hemispheres. Hurricanes and typhoons are still cyclones (technically it doesn't work the other way). "Cyclone" is the scientific term for any circular, rotating storm no matter where it occurs. Hurricane and Typhoon are just regional terms for a cyclone - not actual scientific terms.

http://resources2.news.com.au/images/2011/02/01/1225998/320982-monster-at-our-door.jpg

Evacuation info hotline 1300 993 191

http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2011/02/01/1225998/082721-bureau-image.jpg

UPDATE 8.50pm: A CYCLONE described as a "monster, killer storm" is bearing down on Cairns, with communities far to the north, south and west of the northern Queensland tourist centre also braced for its fury.

The latest modelling suggests Cyclone Yasi is on track to hit Cairns about 1am (AEST) on Thursday as a highly destructive category four storm with winds above 250km/h.

In Cairns alone, about 29,000 people are on notice of mandatory evacuation. Six evacuation centres have been set up in and around the city to accommodate people who have nowhere to go.

The Australian Defence Force has been called in to evacuate hundreds of patients from two Cairns hospitals.

And residents in low-lying areas have been warned their homes could be damaged with a storm surge of up to two metres expected in parts of Cairns, including the CBD.

http://resources2.news.com.au/images/2011/02/01/1225998/320610-cyclone-comparisons.jpg

The volatile nature of cyclones means there's no guarantee Cairns will be ground zero, but so far it's the Bureau of Meteorology's best guess, and it's where the most serious preparations are being made.

BOM senior forecaster Ann Farrell said Yasi was continuing to intensify and she could not rule out the chance of it reaching category five.

"It is possible it could reach category five intensity, and that would push winds up to around the 300km/h mark," Ms Farrell said.

State disaster management coordinator Ian Stewart said the nature of the threat must not be underestimated.

"Please make no mistake. This storm is a deadly event," he said.

http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2011/02/01/1225998/034107-cyclone-yasi-info-graphic.gif

Attorney-General Robert McClelland said the Australian Defence Force was on alert to respond to any additional requests for support.

"It's devastating for Queenslanders to be facing such a severe cyclone only weeks after the worst floods in the state's history," he said.

Link -
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/queensland-cyclone-yasi/story-e6frf7l6-1225998128938
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Whilst only time will tell, how high the winds of Yasi will be, it is clearly a cyclone of enormous size & power, so even if the winds are not as great as expected and we certainly hope that is the case, the fact is that Property & People will have to stand up to these winds for much longer!

Yasi looms large over tiny Tracy
Cameron Atfield
February 1, 2011 - 9:51PM


Cyclone Yasi's size and power will dwarf Cyclone Tracy, the most devastating storm in Australian history, and could cause even more widespread destruction.


http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/file/2011/02/01/2162000/cyclone-anim-article.gif


Weatherzone meteorologist Brett Dutschke said Cyclone Yasi was the largest cyclone he had ever observed in Australian waters on satellite images.

"The area that it's covering is massive and to see it so close to Australia, even 1000 kilometres away, is a bit haunting," he said.

"It's definitely something I've not seen before."

And Yasi made Cyclone Tracy - the storm that destroyed Darwin in 1974 - pale in comparison.

"It's a huge contrast to Tracy. Tracy was a much smaller cyclone, a lot more compact and it just happened to pass directly over a major populated area," Mr Dutschke said.

"[Tracy] was a similar intensity to this one, but Yasi is much larger so it probably only has to get within a few hundred kilometres of a populated area and it could cause similar damage.

"It doesn't have to be as choosy as Tracy with its accuracy."

Mr Dutschke said such a severe cyclone was "always on the cards" during the La Nina weather pattern, because ocean surface temperatures were warmer than normal.

And Cyclone Yasi was so powerful, it could remain a cyclone even after it had reached the outback.

"The more intense they are when they make landfall, the further they need to go [inland] before they are no longer a cyclone," Mr Dutschke said.

"It's probably going to have to go 500 kilometres inland before it's no longer of a cyclone intensity.

"It can effectively be desert that far inland."

Once it reaches landfall, Yasi is expected to follow Cyclone Anthony's lead and head southwest.

Mr Dutschke said the effects of Yasi could be felt as far away as Adelaide.

"It will bring a lot of moisture and there's a reasonable chance for flooding along the Murray [River]," he said.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/environment/weather/yasi-looms-large-over-tiny-tracy-20110201-1ac5o.html

Life_goes_on wrote on Feb 1^st, 2011 at 9:12pm:

perceptions_now wrote on Feb 1st, 2011 at 8:55pm: philperth2010 wrote on Feb 1st, 2011 at 6:09pm: Andrei.Hicks wrote on Feb 1st, 2011 at 4:32pm: Why are they called cyclones and not hurricanes - out of interest? I've been in a hurricane before but not a cyclone. I presume they are the same thing? The name of the storm system varies according to the place of origin of these storms. Cyclones - Storms are called cyclones if they are formed over the Indian Ocean and Southwestern Pacific Ocean i.e. near Africa and Australia. Typhoon - Storms are called typhoons if they are formed in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean i.e. near Asia. Hurricane - Storms are referred to as hurricanes if formed in Atlantic Ocean and Eastern Pacific Ocean i.e., near Gulf of Mexico and America. Phil is correct! Another difference, is that Cyclones rotate clockwise in the Southern hemisphere, whilst Hurricanes rotate anti-clockwise in the Northern hemisphere.   No. They are all cyclones - whether in the northern or southern hemispheres. Hurricanes and typhoons are still cyclones (technically it doesn't work the other way). "Cyclone" is the scientific term for any circular, rotating storm no matter where it occurs. Hurricane and Typhoon are just regional terms for a cyclone - not actual scientific terms.

Ok, you are both correct!
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/Hurricanes/

buzzanddidj wrote on Feb 1^st, 2011 at 10:34pm:

Yasi looms large over tiny Tracy Cameron Atfield February 1, 2011 - 9:51PM Cyclone Yasi's size and power will dwarf Cyclone Tracy, the most devastating storm in Australian history, and could cause even more widespread destruction. http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/file/2011/02/01/2162000/cyclone-anim-article.gif Weatherzone meteorologist Brett Dutschke said Cyclone Yasi was the largest cyclone he had ever observed in Australian waters on satellite images. "The area that it's covering is massive and to see it so close to Australia, even 1000 kilometres away, is a bit haunting," he said. "It's definitely something I've not seen before." And Yasi made Cyclone Tracy - the storm that destroyed Darwin in 1974 - pale in comparison. "It's a huge contrast to Tracy. Tracy was a much smaller cyclone, a lot more compact and it just happened to pass directly over a major populated area," Mr Dutschke said. "[Tracy] was a similar intensity to this one, but Yasi is much larger so it probably only has to get within a few hundred kilometres of a populated area and it could cause similar damage. "It doesn't have to be as choosy as Tracy with its accuracy." Mr Dutschke said such a severe cyclone was "always on the cards" during the La Nina weather pattern, because ocean surface temperatures were warmer than normal. And Cyclone Yasi was so powerful, it could remain a cyclone even after it had reached the outback. "The more intense they are when they make landfall, the further they need to go [inland] before they are no longer a cyclone," Mr Dutschke said. "It's probably going to have to go 500 kilometres inland before it's no longer of a cyclone intensity. "It can effectively be desert that far inland." Once it reaches landfall, Yasi is expected to follow Cyclone Anthony's lead and head southwest. Mr Dutschke said the effects of Yasi could be felt as far away as Adelaide. "It will bring a lot of moisture and there's a reasonable chance for flooding along the Murray [River]," he said. http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/environment/weather/yasi-looms-large-over-tiny-tracy-20110201-1ac5o.html

As can be seen from the comparisons, Yasi is much closer to a Katrina, than the other large Australian cyclones of the last 30-40 years.

Now, perhaps there are good arguments as to why these recent Global weather events of the last 10 years are not related to Climate Change, but it sure as hell looks like something is changin and its not just the times that area changin!


Couldn't find a Bob Dylan version, so Peter, Paul & Mary will have to do.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oU7M4OeSRM&feature=player_embedded

http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2011/02/01/1225998/250467-cyclone-comparison-graphic-inside.gif

TROPICAL Cyclone Yasi has been upgraded to a life-threatening category five storm with wind gusts of up to 280km/hr expected in some areas.

The Bureau of Meteorology this morning described Cyclone Yasi as a large and very powerful tropical cyclone that poses an "extremely serious threat to life and property" within the warning area, particularly between Port Douglas and Townsville in Far North Queensland.

Meteorologists expect the impact of Cyclone Yasi to be "more life threatening than any experienced during recent generations."

The cyclone is expected to move in a west-southwesterly direction today, with an 'extremely dangerous' storm tide expected between Port Douglas and Townsville as the cyclone crosses the coast.

Residents in the cyclone warning regions are encouraged to protect property and evacuate as strong currents, giant waves and flooding of low-lying areas is anticipated.

Winds with gusts of up to 90 km/hr are expected on the coastal islands this morning, before moving on to the coast later today and further inland overnight.

The wind gusts are expected to reach in excess of 125km/h this afternoon between Cooktown and Ingham, and up to 280km/h tonight between Port Douglas and Cardwell.

SCARY CYCLONE!!!!!! 280KM/H WINDS Wheeeeew that would blow your wig off!

What I'm REALLY dreading is Anna Bligh standing side by side with the chief of the SES, giving their 2 hourly updates.....repeat of the floods. They started last night, repeating what we'd already heard on the news broadcast. She must be revelling in this, being shown in a good light twice in a matter of weeks. Doesn't she get paid too much to be a news reporter? Any random reporter could easily give us the updates, while she gets on with the job of selling qld, although she won't get much now, damaged goods and all.....fire sale!

Here it comes ... Cairns prepares for the worst

Yasi has been upgraded to a category five - the most severe form - and its impact is now ''likely to be more life-threatening than any experienced during recent generations'', the Bureau of Meteorology says.

Yasi was upgraded overnight and at 4am today was about 650 kilometres east northeast of Cairns and 650 kilometres northeast of Townsville, moving southwest at 30 kilometres an hour.

With Cairns directly in Yasi's path, retailers yesterday reported that many people were stocking up on supplies ahead of the potentially devastating cyclone.

http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/file/2011/02/02/2162772/cyclone.gif
Image courtesy of US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Hospitals evacuated
More than 250 patients were flown from Cairns to Brisbane last night as authorities evacuated two hospitals ahead of the arrival of Yasi.

Ms Bligh said 11 aircraft from the Australian Defence Force, Royal Flying Doctor Service and the government air wing were used to carry patients who had been at the waterfront Cairns Base and Cairns Private hospitals.

Link -
http://www.smh.com.au/environment/weather/here-it-comes--cairns-prepares-for-the-worst-20110201-1acde.html
===============
This storm is so large that it will hit a populated area, no matter where it crosses the coast.

Without wishing it to hit anywhere, I hope the eye of the storm diverts away from directly impacting on Cairns, as that would expose the largest population centre in that area.

I would also hope that the state & Federal government have contingency plans in place, for the army, airforce & all available personnel to be ready to move in, as soon as the situation becomes clear, once the cyclone has crossed the coast, because if Yasi stays around category 4-5, they will be needed.

perceptions_now wrote on Feb 1^st, 2011 at 11:19pm:

Now, perhaps there are good arguments as to why these recent Global weather events of the last 10 years are not related to Climate Change, but it sure as hell looks like something is changin and its not just the times that area changin!

We haven't seen a decent La Nina for the last 10 -12 years either.

We packed the fridge with beer and dragged in the patio furnuture and now we're gonna just wait it out.  :)

Stay safe North and Far North QLD

Very scary - good luck all those in that area

Yes perce....Anna reckons she's got it under control, as long as it doesn't blow away too many of her assets ha ha

The trouble with a cyclone this size is that so many have to stay put and bunker down, just too many people to move, and where would they all go? the cyclone covers such a huge area. Don't wish for it to come further south, maybe up higher will be better.

My wife has been on the phone babbling on about this storm and whether her family will be ok etc etc...

Now forgive me here, and I don't mean to be without compassionate, but from the map I am looking at it's not even heading to fking Townsville!!!

Women eh? Always worrying.

You would do well to listen to your wife more andrei.


........

“The cyclone has now reached category five and will continue to move in a west-southwesterly direction during today,” the BoM said on its website.

Coastal residents, particularly between Port Douglas and Townsville, were being warned of an “extremely dangerous” storm tide as the cyclone approaches and crosses the coast. It is likely to cause flooding some way inland.

nichy wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 9:25am:

You would do well to listen to your wife more andrei. ........ “The cyclone has now reached category five and will continue to move in a west-southwesterly direction during today,” the BoM said on its website. Coastal residents, particularly between Port Douglas and Townsville, were being warned of an “extremely dangerous” storm tide as the cyclone approaches and crosses the coast. It is likely to cause flooding some way inland.

I agree Nichy, Andrei would do well to listen to his wife, as the following picture shows.

http://resources2.news.com.au/images/2011/02/02/1225998/579198-map-no-text.jpg

In fact, Andrei would do well to listen a bit more to others, in general, he may gain some different perspectives.

nichy wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 9:25am:

You would do well to listen to your wife more andrei.

Less of that sort of talk please.

I do listen to you Perceptions, if anything you are one of the elite few on here whose opinion actually carries weight with me.

I just rarely agree with you.

perceptions_now wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 10:17am:

nichy wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 9:25am: You would do well to listen to your wife more andrei. ........ “The cyclone has now reached category five and will continue to move in a west-southwesterly direction during today,” the BoM said on its website. Coastal residents, particularly between Port Douglas and Townsville, were being warned of an “extremely dangerous” storm tide as the cyclone approaches and crosses the coast. It is likely to cause flooding some way inland. I agree Nichy, Andrei would do well to listen to his wife, as the following picture shows. http://resources2.news.com.au/images/2011/02/02/1225998/579198-map-no-text.jpg In fact, Andrei would do well to listen a bit more to others, in general, he may gain some different perspectives.

Perception,  that's a very scary picture.  

'Tis a big old thunderstorm by the picture eh?

I wonder would there be any benefit to be gained by heavily seeding the cloud structure of developing cyclones far out to sea, thus making them produce more & more rain at sea and maybe weakening their effect?
Just a thought.

BigOl64 wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 8:20am:

perceptions_now wrote on Feb 1st, 2011 at 11:19pm: Now, perhaps there are good arguments as to why these recent Global weather events of the last 10 years are not related to Climate Change, but it sure as hell looks like something is changin and its not just the times that area changin! We haven't seen a decent La Nina for the last 10 -12 years either. We packed the fridge with beer and dragged in the patio furnuture and now we're gonna just wait it out.  :) Stay safe North and Far North QLD

I'd like to ask , what was the known sea temp off the coast regarding times of the last La nina ? Cause it is being reported that sea temps are currently  30C off  north Qlds which may make this  storm surge bigger.

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 10:39am:

'Tis a big old thunderstorm by the picture eh?

Andre

It'll be about Cat 2 -3 here in the ville, not too bad but the flooding will do the most damage.

Fridge is full, good to go  :)

wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 10:50am:

BigOl64 wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 8:20am: perceptions_now wrote on Feb 1st, 2011 at 11:19pm: Now, perhaps there are good arguments as to why these recent Global weather events of the last 10 years are not related to Climate Change, but it sure as hell looks like something is changin and its not just the times that area changin! We haven't seen a decent La Nina for the last 10 -12 years either. We packed the fridge with beer and dragged in the patio furnuture and now we're gonna just wait it out.  :) Stay safe North and Far North QLD I'd like to ask , what was the known sea temp off the coast regarding times of the last La nina ? Cause it is being reported that sea temps are currently  30C off  north Qlds which may make this  storm surge bigger.

No idea veg,

BigOl64 wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 10:59am:

wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 10:50am: BigOl64 wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 8:20am: perceptions_now wrote on Feb 1st, 2011 at 11:19pm: Now, perhaps there are good arguments as to why these recent Global weather events of the last 10 years are not related to Climate Change, but it sure as hell looks like something is changin and its not just the times that area changin! We haven't seen a decent La Nina for the last 10 -12 years either. We packed the fridge with beer and dragged in the patio furnuture and now we're gonna just wait it out.  :) Stay safe North and Far North QLD I'd like to ask , what was the known sea temp off the coast regarding times of the last La nina ? Cause it is being reported that sea temps are currently  30C off  north Qlds which may make this  storm surge bigger. No idea veg,

sea temps of 30C plus  isn't the 'norm' then, is it ?

BigOl64 wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 10:57am:

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 10:39am: 'Tis a big old thunderstorm by the picture eh? Andre It'll be about Cat 2 -3 here in the ville, not too bad but the flooding will do the most damage. Fridge is full, good to go  :)

My father-in-law has that many nails and bolts in his roof in Mundingburra that if the roof goes, it will take the house with it.

He has gone on endlessly to me about a cyclone in the 70's (Eleuthera?) and how people have forgotten it.
In fact he endlessly talks about how so many of the trees etc have been allowed to become a serious hazard around Townsville.

This may be the hour he is proved right?

My brother in law has an apartment on the strand by the Jupiters so I think he is more concerned about the storm surge.

Sounds like that won't happen though from the last conversation my lady had with him?

I just heard that this cyclone makes cyclone Tracy look like a midget !!

300 km/hr winds.

Not much will stand up to that.
All trees will be gone, all lamposts, pretty much all houses .

it's a HUGE system.

The govt must be idiotic to let this happen

http://www.ozpolitic.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1296611700/0#0

Sprintcyclist wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 11:48am:

300 km/hr winds. Not much will stand up to that. All trees will be gone, all lamposts, pretty much all houses . it's a HUGE system. The govt must be idiotic to let this happen

WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!

surely you jest!!!!!

There are some things the government have no control over, mother nature being one of them.

One last chance to leave homes, Anna Bligh tells Queenslanders in Cyclone Yasi's path

http://resources2.news.com.au/images/2011/02/02/1225998/579198-map-no-text.jpg

FAR-NORTH Queenslanders in low-lying areas have been warned to leave their homes immediately, as Cyclone Yasi bears down on the region.

"There is still an opportunity for you to move to a place of safety," she said, after a disaster management meeting this morning.

"I cannot say in the strongest possible terms, you have to take this opportunity now. It will close in the next three hours."

Army personnel are door-knocking areas in Queensland's northern capital of Townsville, where the latest modelling shows an increased storm surge from the category five cyclone.

"The next 24 hours is going to be, frankly, a very terrifying 24 hours for many people," she said.

"Now is the time for people to prepare themselves and their families and their children mentally for what they are about to experience."

She urged people to prepare for very loud wind noise, torrential rain and a loss of power and phone access.

The Premier said it was expected that up to 200,000 people would lose power from the cyclone, as far south as Mackay, and additional electricity crews will be on site from Saturday. Telephone systems are also anticipated to go down.

More than 340 schools have been closed and will be shut down until at least the end of the week.

Disaster coordinator Ian Stewart said people needed to be prepared for a terrifying night but gale-force winds would start from midday.

He said people should start making preparations in their homes and remain in the safest, strongest part of the house - generally in the bathroom and toilet - and bunker down with mattresses, food and drinking water.

"They should be prepare themselves for the fact that the roof might come off," he said.

"They might get wet but it is far more dangerous to run out of the house than run outside."

He said emergency services would not be able to respond to residents during the peak winds and people needed to understand they were first-responders in order to protect their family.

Link -
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/in-depth/cyclone-yasi/one-last-chance-to-leave-homes-anna-bligh-tells-queenslanders-in-cyclone-yasis-path/story-fn7rj0ye-1225998576766
============
I know this is not the right time to raise this, but as the thought occurs to me now, I can see that Real Estate in Queensland is going change, after this season of destruction!

pansi - hehehehheehehe

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 12:00pm:

Sprintcyclist wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 11:48am: 300 km/hr winds. Not much will stand up to that. All trees will be gone, all lamposts, pretty much all houses . it's a HUGE system. The govt must be idiotic to let this happen WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!! surely you jest!!!!! There are some things the government have no control over, mother nature being one of them.

I agree Pansi, government can not guarantee somethings and the control of Mother Nature is one that is not now, nor is it ever likely to be, under government control.

Risk mitigation & subsequent clean up, are within government scope of control, but they can not stop the event itself.

Sprinty, I don't think Political points scoring is appropriate just at the moment, later maybe!

Sprintcyclist wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 11:48am:

300 km/hr winds. Not much will stand up to that. All trees will be gone, all lamposts, pretty much all houses . it's a HUGE system. The govt must be idiotic to let this happen

with a 100 Km wide eye and a storm surge that can take out a 3 story brick building a leave the slab behind !!

Lisa Jones wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 11:58am:

http://www.ozpolitic.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1296611700/0#0

Whilst I am personally Agnostic, I'm sure there are many in Queensland, who would appreciate those thoughts!

That said, perhaps you could PM Sprinty and suggest, now is not a time for Political spin?

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 12:00pm:

Sprintcyclist wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 11:48am: 300 km/hr winds. Not much will stand up to that. All trees will be gone, all lamposts, pretty much all houses . it's a HUGE system. The govt must be idiotic to let this happen WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!! surely you jest!!!!! There are some things the government have no control over, mother nature being one of them.

Unfortunately these are the extreme weather events as postulated by climate change :( We ignore the warnings at our own peril.

what about dudds/gillards globe-trotting big-noting, big-spending, big-taxing, big-lying, world-saving fantasies ?

what about all you goldfishbrains that voted for either empty drum ??

What about you save attempts at political point scoring for a more appropriate time.

Sprintcyclist wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 12:28pm:

what about dudds/gillards globe-trotting big-noting, big-spending, big-taxing, big-lying, world-saving fantasies ? what about all you goldfishbrains that voted for either empty drum ??

Yeah! this cyclone wouldn't have happened under Howard, he's the man of steel, and besides anything that came by sea had to go to Nauru, they'd be copping it instead of us.

Sprintcyclist wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 12:28pm:

what about dudds/gillards globe-trotting big-noting, big-spending, big-taxing, big-lying, world-saving fantasies ? what about all you goldfishbrains that voted for either empty drum ??

and what on earth could the libbos do ?? build a huge wall around QLD !!

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 12:35pm:

Sprintcyclist wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 12:28pm: what about dudds/gillards globe-trotting big-noting, big-spending, big-taxing, big-lying, world-saving fantasies ? what about all you goldfishbrains that voted for either empty drum ?? Yeah! this cyclone wouldn't have happened under Howard, he's the man of steel, and besides anything that came by sea had to go to Nauru, they'd be copping it instead of us.

Howard would just blame it on Alqaeda :(

Whilst I am personally Agnostic, I'm sure there are many in Queensland, who would appreciate those thoughts!

- Perceptions Now

I think so too.

It's a dreadful time for QLD atm. They're still recovering from flood devastation .. and now this :(

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Feb 1^st, 2011 at 4:14pm:

It's a biggy perceptions. The eye of the cyclone is 100km wide, the whole width is 500km, that covers a lot of towns. They're are not setting up evacuation centres until after the cyclone hits, just too many people to handle. Best of luck Cairns people!!!!

Not so.
Seven evacuation centres have been established in Cairns ahead of Cyclone Yasi and for anyone who would like to use one of the evacuation centres in the Cairns district here's a list. *All of these evacuation centres are up and running now before the cyclone hits*

Redlynch State College shelter building - Jungara Road, Redlynch
James Cook University student accommodation facility - McGregor Road, Smithfield
Trinity Beach State Primary School - Madang Street, Trinity Beach (this facility replaces Smithfield High School, which is no longer available)
Mossman Community Indoor Sports Centre - Front Street, Mossman
Woree State High School - Riggs Street, Woree
Stockland Earlville Shopping Centre - Mulgrave Road
Babinda RSL Hall - School Street, Babinda

Lisa Jones wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 12:41pm:

Whilst I am personally Agnostic, I'm sure there are many in Queensland, who would appreciate those thoughts! - Perceptions Now I think so too. It's a dreadful time for QLD atm. They're still recovering from flood devastation .. and now this :(

How odd!

Anyhow, in respect to your original message, Yes thanks we are ok, but we are in Perth, so we are a long way from Yasi.

Funnily enough, if anything in this situation can be funny, Perth has been experiencing the opposite, we have been hot & very dry, with out total dam capacity now under 30%!

Monster cyclone knocks out weather radar

Category five Cyclone Yasi has knocked out the weather bureau's radar system on Willis Island, about 450 kilometres east of Cairns in far north Queensland.

The weather bureau's radar and wind speed measurements on the island failed just before 9am (AEST).

The bureau says the maximum wind speed recorded before the equipment went down was 185 kilometres per hour.

Three weather observers and a technician left the island yesterday.

Link -
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/02/02/3127757.htm?section=justin
==============
It seems that Yasi has taken its first Australian victim - Property only.

howard would have stood at the shore and waved his willy at it !!!!!!
it would have scarpered while it had the chance

this one will probably claim lives.
300 kms winds. a biro becomes a weapon.

it's going to be nasty , just heard the roads from there were jammmed hours ago.
find a brick building to hide in and hope for the best.

I guess I must have spoken too soon, I heard that it upgraded to a Cat 5 over night!

*gulp*

Very concerning!

And definitely time to evacuate... it's whoppa!

:o

Cromwell wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 12:42pm:

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Feb 1st, 2011 at 4:14pm: It's a biggy perceptions. The eye of the cyclone is 100km wide, the whole width is 500km, that covers a lot of towns. They're are not setting up evacuation centres until after the cyclone hits, just too many people to handle. Best of luck Cairns people!!!! Not so. Seven evacuation centres have been established in Cairns ahead of Cyclone Yasi and for anyone who would like to use one of the evacuation centres in the Cairns district here's a list. *All of these evacuation centres are up and running now before the cyclone hits* Redlynch State College shelter building - Jungara Road, Redlynch James Cook University student accommodation facility - McGregor Road, Smithfield Trinity Beach State Primary School - Madang Street, Trinity Beach (this facility replaces Smithfield High School, which is no longer available) Mossman Community Indoor Sports Centre - Front Street, Mossman Woree State High School - Riggs Street, Woree Stockland Earlville Shopping Centre - Mulgrave Road Babinda RSL Hall - School Street, Babinda

sorry my mistake, it's what I heard on the radio yesterday then this morning I did hear of evacuation centres up and running.

So, it's official... now time to panic?

When Anna Bligh starts offering free-accommodation to civilians, you know it's a bad sign...*cringe*

;D

Sprintcyclist wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 1:09pm:

howard would have stood at the shore and waved his willy at it !!!!!! it would have scarpered while it had the chance this one will probably claim lives. 300 kms winds. a biro becomes a weapon. it's going to be nasty , just heard the roads from there were jammmed hours ago. find a brick building to hide in and hope for the best.

Anna Bligh gave them 3 hours to get out. You'd probably need 5 by the sounds of it.

The army needs to come in with helicopters to evacuate people. Where is the army when you need them ?

Sir lastnail wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 1:25pm:

Sprintcyclist wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 1:09pm: howard would have stood at the shore and waved his willy at it !!!!!! it would have scarpered while it had the chance this one will probably claim lives. 300 kms winds. a biro becomes a weapon. it's going to be nasty , just heard the roads from there were jammmed hours ago. find a brick building to hide in and hope for the best. Anna Bligh gave them 3 hours to get out. You'd probably need 5 by the sounds of it. The army needs to come in with helicopters to evacuate people. Where is the army when you need them ?

Why would she do that...when she's too busy organising film crews to capture the (((moment)))... I bet she plays a starring role...the role which may finally, after the flood damage, portray her to be a warm, caring premier, ....it wont be easy, she'll need a decent special effects crew,(might I suggest 'Who Dares'  )... to flush her eyes with silicone tears.....just excuse her, while she slips into character....

;D  Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a category 5 cyclone...it's.......it's....



'Super Bligh'


http://superherouniverse.com/art/data/521/SuperWoman.jpg

Super-hooter

I mean, with all this natural devastation, first the floods, now the worlds biggest "EVER" cyclone, coming to a cinema near you, how can you not excuse her pre-2011  f8ck ups?

8-) She will be the 'Premier' who despite the adversities of natural disaster, wept sympathetic tears come QLD state election day...and best of all...  the elections to be held in March, so......(she needs a few casualties to weep over, so cant rescue them all).

No, this movie calls for more casualties than 'Tracy' even...  or will she be so heroic, that she defies the odds and saves them all?

She will try and use this as a last ditch grab at votes, and attempt to use this to excuse her prior atrocities, ....and if nothing else, it will make for a truly memorable exit speech.

;D Poor Anna Bligh, cry, sigh!

Might even out-do Rudds crocodile exit tears...is this even possible?

Sprintcyclist wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 1:34pm:

Super-hooter

Yep, that's the one.... ;D

mellie wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 1:33pm:

Sir lastnail wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 1:25pm: Sprintcyclist wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 1:09pm: howard would have stood at the shore and waved his willy at it !!!!!! it would have scarpered while it had the chance this one will probably claim lives. 300 kms winds. a biro becomes a weapon. it's going to be nasty , just heard the roads from there were jammmed hours ago. find a brick building to hide in and hope for the best. Anna Bligh gave them 3 hours to get out. You'd probably need 5 by the sounds of it. The army needs to come in with helicopters to evacuate people. Where is the army when you need them ? Why would she do that...when she's too busy organising film crews to capture the (((moment)))... I bet she plays a starring role...the role which may finally, after the flood damage, portray her to be a warm, caring premier, ....it wont be easy, she'll need a decent special effects crew,(might I suggest 'Who Dares'  )... to flush her eyes with silicone tears.....just excuse her, while she lips into character.... ;D  Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a category 5 cyclone...it's.......it's.... 'Super Bligh' http://superherouniverse.com/art/data/521/SuperWoman.jpg

Which parts are animated?

mellie wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 1:44pm:

I mean, with all this natural devastation, first the floods, now the worlds biggest "EVER" cyclone, coming to a cinema near you, how can you not excuse her pre-2011  f8ck ups? 8-) She will be the 'Premier' who despite the adversities of natural disaster, wept sympathetic tears come QLD state election day...and best of all...  the elections to be held in March, so...... She will try and use this as a last ditch grab at votes, and attempt to use this to excuse her prior atrocities, ....and if nothing else, it will make for a truly memorable exit speech. ;D Poor Anna Bligh, sigh! Might even out-do Rudds crocodile exit tears...is this even possible?

at least she didn't indulge in an illegal WAR ON ERROR based on bullshit  excuses. How many died because of the WAR ON ERROR ?? :(

I suppose you are going to blame labor for that as well ??

All I can say is she will need one heck of a make-up crew, I don't think she's cried actual real tears since birth...  quickly now, someone fetch her cape!

8-)....Poor Anna Bligh, cry, sigh!

How Cyclone Yasi compares around the world

http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2011/02/02/1225998/738933-tc-yasi-superimposed-on-usa.gif

IF you're struggling to grasp the magnitude of Tropical Cyclone Yasi, consider this: it is so large it would almost cover the United States, most of Asia and large parts of Europe.

Most of the coverage about the scale of Yasi has tried to compare it with storms of the past - it's bigger than Larry, more powerful than Tracy.

But just as powerful is this comparison, showing this storm is continental in size.  The main bloc of the cyclone is 500km wide, while its associated activity, shown above in a colour-coding to match intensity, stretches over 2000km.

The storm's scale of destruction is as shocking as it is inevitable.  In the map above, the United States from Pennsylvania in the east to Nevada in the west, from Georgia in the south to Canada in the north and well into Mexico would be battered with 300km/h winds and up to one metre of rain.

The economic impact would be felt around the world.

Link -
http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/floodrelief/how-cyclone-yasi-compares-around-the-world/story-fn7ik2te-1225998762870
===================
For perspective, particularly for our Amercian friends.

Damn....Mother Nature must seriously hate Queensland at the moment...

That's one hell of a storm.....

Sir lastnail wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 1:25pm:

Sprintcyclist wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 1:09pm: howard would have stood at the shore and waved his willy at it !!!!!! it would have scarpered while it had the chance this one will probably claim lives. 300 kms winds. a biro becomes a weapon. it's going to be nasty , just heard the roads from there were jammmed hours ago. find a brick building to hide in and hope for the best. Anna Bligh gave them 3 hours to get out. You'd probably need 5 by the sounds of it. The army needs to come in with helicopters to evacuate people. Where is the army when you need them ?

I'm not sure you could even fly a chopper in the winds in front of a storm that big....

perceptions_now wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 1:49pm:

mellie wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 1:33pm: Sir lastnail wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 1:25pm: Sprintcyclist wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 1:09pm: howard would have stood at the shore and waved his willy at it !!!!!! it would have scarpered while it had the chance this one will probably claim lives. 300 kms winds. a biro becomes a weapon. it's going to be nasty , just heard the roads from there were jammmed hours ago. find a brick building to hide in and hope for the best. Anna Bligh gave them 3 hours to get out. You'd probably need 5 by the sounds of it. The army needs to come in with helicopters to evacuate people. Where is the army when you need them ? Why would she do that...when she's too busy organising film crews to capture the (((moment)))... I bet she plays a starring role...the role which may finally, after the flood damage, portray her to be a warm, caring premier, ....it wont be easy, she'll need a decent special effects crew,(might I suggest 'Who Dares'  )... to flush her eyes with silicone tears.....just excuse her, while she lips into character.... ;D  Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a category 5 cyclone...it's.......it's.... 'Super Bligh' http://superherouniverse.com/art/data/521/SuperWoman.jpg Which parts are animated?

annamated with who?

gizmo_2655 wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 2:23pm:

Damn....Mother Nature must seriously hate Queensland at the moment... That's one hell of a storm.....

I think the Government is putting a brave face on it. 300 km/hr wind is like driving a Formula 1 car flat stick without a wind visor !!

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 2:46pm:

perceptions_now wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 1:49pm: mellie wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 1:33pm: Sir lastnail wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 1:25pm: Sprintcyclist wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 1:09pm: howard would have stood at the shore and waved his willy at it !!!!!! it would have scarpered while it had the chance this one will probably claim lives. 300 kms winds. a biro becomes a weapon. it's going to be nasty , just heard the roads from there were jammmed hours ago. find a brick building to hide in and hope for the best. Anna Bligh gave them 3 hours to get out. You'd probably need 5 by the sounds of it. The army needs to come in with helicopters to evacuate people. Where is the army when you need them ? Why would she do that...when she's too busy organising film crews to capture the (((moment)))... I bet she plays a starring role...the role which may finally, after the flood damage, portray her to be a warm, caring premier, ....it wont be easy, she'll need a decent special effects crew,(might I suggest 'Who Dares'  )... to flush her eyes with silicone tears.....just excuse her, while she lips into character.... ;D  Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a category 5 cyclone...it's.......it's.... 'Super Bligh' http://superherouniverse.com/art/data/521/SuperWoman.jpg Which parts are animated? annamated with who?

http://superherouniverse.com/art/data/521/SuperWoman.jpg

Sir lastnail wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 2:53pm:

gizmo_2655 wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 2:23pm: Damn....Mother Nature must seriously hate Queensland at the moment... That's one hell of a storm..... I think the Government is putting a brave face on it. 300 km/hr wind is like driving a Formula 1 car flat stick without a wind visor !!

Yeah, that'd suck an oak tree out of the ground...
Or turn a Leopard Tank, into a tumbleweed...

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 11:10am:

My father-in-law has that many nails and bolts in his roof in Mundingburra that if the roof goes, it will take the house with it. He has gone on endlessly to me about a cyclone in the 70's (Eleuthera?) and how people have forgotten it. In fact he endlessly talks about how so many of the trees etc have been allowed to become a serious hazard around Townsville. This may be the hour he is proved right?

Yeh I remember 'Althea' back in '72 well I remember my parents talking about it.  :)

Ours won't be a wind problem as much as a surge problem.

But Ill let your know tommorow, if I can.

.

wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 11:02am:

sea temps of 30C plus  isn't the 'norm' then, is it ?

Veg, our water is pee warm most of the time. Winter temps are about 28 deg and summer a coupla degrees warmer than that. It's the tropics the water is warm.

How warm, I have no idea, mostly cause I don't check.

Frightened Australian cyclone evacuees turned away

Feb 2 (Reuters) - Australian police turned people away from jammed evacuation shelters on Wednesday as a huge cyclone neared the northeast coast, leaving many to wait outside in the open, praying police will relent and squeeze them in before the storm arrives.

Cyclone Yasi is the most dangerous cyclone to come ashore in Australia in a century, forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate their homes and overwhelm cyclone shelters which are already refuge to more than 10,000.

At a shopping centre which serves as a shelter in Cairns, a tourist city destined to feel Yasi's wrath within hours, Selwyn Hughes stood with his family in the uncovered carpark and said his only comfort for the moment was in numbers.

"There are so many of us here. Surely they have to do something, find somewhere safer to move us to before it arrives," Hughes said, squatting on a pink suitcase with his five children, aged two to 13.

The family's only possessions were a small box of food, including a tin of powdered milk, and clothes and a pram for two-year-old daughter Minoota.

Around them 80 others sat on the ground and shared advice or sympathy.

At a steel barrier gate, four police guarded entry to a ramp up to a cinema complex being used as a rooftop entry point to the makeshift cyclone shelter, as grey clouds swirled and winds whistled over fences and rooftops.

"It's making it very difficult. We're disappointed we can't take any more people in, but I've been through in there and it's just not safe," said acting police inspector John Bosnjak.

Inside, more than 2,000 people lay in front of shuttered shops and foodcourts, or sat on empty tables, while children played on moving walkways.

All seven evacuations centres set up in the region have reached capacity ahead of Yasi's arrival, filled also by hundreds of foreign backpackers sent away from usually thriving waterfront hostels.

Around 30,000 people in low-lying suburbs evacuated their homes and poured into the centres when doors opened at about 6 am, or bunkered down in the homes of friends at the urging of the government, helping ease the strain on shelters.

Others joined a stream of traffic heading south.

Cairns Mayor Val Schier advised residents to batten down in their own homes, while last-minute preparations were also being made to open an eighth shelter and move people there by bus.

The last category 5 cyclone to hit the Queensland coast was in 1918. That storm killed almost 90 people.

Link -
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/02/australia-cyclone-evacuation-idUSL3E7D205M20110202?pageNumber=1
==================
I earnestly hope that the relevant authorities communication skills improve, in a hell of a hurry, and these people & any others looking for shelter, can be accommodated, prior to the worse of this cyclone hitting, later today!

Our communications & delivery of services, need to be a lot better than this!

Quote:

Feb 2 (Reuters) - Australian police turned people away from jammed evacuation shelters on Wednesday as a huge cyclone neared the northeast coast, leaving many to wait outside in the open, praying police will relent and squeeze them in before the storm arrives.

Look, ok, Queenslanders are an annoying bunch, with their big Pineapple and even bigger 'KRudd', but hey, I think mass-extinctions a bit harsh!

Damn right they had best get a move on, and help these people, it's getting rather scary and it hasn't even hit yet.

A super-storm even!

And of course, this will dispel the myth that AGW was nothing more than political smegma.

 8-)

perceptions_now wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 3:50pm:

Frightened Australian cyclone evacuees turned away Feb 2 (Reuters) - Australian police turned people away from jammed evacuation shelters on Wednesday as a huge cyclone neared the northeast coast, leaving many to wait outside in the open, praying police will relent and squeeze them in before the storm arrives. Cyclone Yasi is the most dangerous cyclone to come ashore in Australia in a century, forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate their homes and overwhelm cyclone shelters which are already refuge to more than 10,000. At a shopping centre which serves as a shelter in Cairns, a tourist city destined to feel Yasi's wrath within hours, Selwyn Hughes stood with his family in the uncovered carpark and said his only comfort for the moment was in numbers. "There are so many of us here. Surely they have to do something, find somewhere safer to move us to before it arrives," Hughes said, squatting on a pink suitcase with his five children, aged two to 13. The family's only possessions were a small box of food, including a tin of powdered milk, and clothes and a pram for two-year-old daughter Minoota. Around them 80 others sat on the ground and shared advice or sympathy. At a steel barrier gate, four police guarded entry to a ramp up to a cinema complex being used as a rooftop entry point to the makeshift cyclone shelter, as grey clouds swirled and winds whistled over fences and rooftops. "It's making it very difficult. We're disappointed we can't take any more people in, but I've been through in there and it's just not safe," said acting police inspector John Bosnjak. Inside, more than 2,000 people lay in front of shuttered shops and foodcourts, or sat on empty tables, while children played on moving walkways. All seven evacuations centres set up in the region have reached capacity ahead of Yasi's arrival, filled also by hundreds of foreign backpackers sent away from usually thriving waterfront hostels. Around 30,000 people in low-lying suburbs evacuated their homes and poured into the centres when doors opened at about 6 am, or bunkered down in the homes of friends at the urging of the government, helping ease the strain on shelters. Others joined a stream of traffic heading south. Cairns Mayor Val Schier advised residents to batten down in their own homes, while last-minute preparations were also being made to open an eighth shelter and move people there by bus. The last category 5 cyclone to hit the Queensland coast was in 1918. That storm killed almost 90 people. Link - http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/02/australia-cyclone-evacuation-idUSL3E7D205M20110202?pageNumber=1 ================== I earnestly hope that the relevant authorities communication skills improve, in a hell of a hurry, and these people & any others looking for shelter, can be accommodated, prior to the worse of this cyclone hitting, later today! Our communications & delivery of services, need to be a lot better than this!

The communication problem in that article was one of deliberate sensationalist misrepresentation of the facts in the title and opening paragraph - which were belied by the penultimate one!

I, for one, wish that certain journalists would act more responsibly and respectfully!

Equitist wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 3:59pm:

perceptions_now wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 3:50pm: Frightened Australian cyclone evacuees turned away Feb 2 (Reuters) - Australian police turned people away from jammed evacuation shelters on Wednesday as a huge cyclone neared the northeast coast, leaving many to wait outside in the open, praying police will relent and squeeze them in before the storm arrives. Cyclone Yasi is the most dangerous cyclone to come ashore in Australia in a century, forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate their homes and overwhelm cyclone shelters which are already refuge to more than 10,000. At a shopping centre which serves as a shelter in Cairns, a tourist city destined to feel Yasi's wrath within hours, Selwyn Hughes stood with his family in the uncovered carpark and said his only comfort for the moment was in numbers. "There are so many of us here. Surely they have to do something, find somewhere safer to move us to before it arrives," Hughes said, squatting on a pink suitcase with his five children, aged two to 13. The family's only possessions were a small box of food, including a tin of powdered milk, and clothes and a pram for two-year-old daughter Minoota. Around them 80 others sat on the ground and shared advice or sympathy. At a steel barrier gate, four police guarded entry to a ramp up to a cinema complex being used as a rooftop entry point to the makeshift cyclone shelter, as grey clouds swirled and winds whistled over fences and rooftops. "It's making it very difficult. We're disappointed we can't take any more people in, but I've been through in there and it's just not safe," said acting police inspector John Bosnjak. Inside, more than 2,000 people lay in front of shuttered shops and foodcourts, or sat on empty tables, while children played on moving walkways. All seven evacuations centres set up in the region have reached capacity ahead of Yasi's arrival, filled also by hundreds of foreign backpackers sent away from usually thriving waterfront hostels. Around 30,000 people in low-lying suburbs evacuated their homes and poured into the centres when doors opened at about 6 am, or bunkered down in the homes of friends at the urging of the government, helping ease the strain on shelters. Others joined a stream of traffic heading south. Cairns Mayor Val Schier advised residents to batten down in their own homes, while last-minute preparations were also being made to open an eighth shelter and move people there by bus. The last category 5 cyclone to hit the Queensland coast was in 1918. That storm killed almost 90 people. Link - http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/02/australia-cyclone-evacuation-idUSL3E7D205M20110202?pageNumber=1 ================== I earnestly hope that the relevant authorities communication skills improve, in a hell of a hurry, and these people & any others looking for shelter, can be accommodated, prior to the worse of this cyclone hitting, later today! Our communications & delivery of services, need to be a lot better than this! The communication problem in that article was one of deliberate sensationalist misrepresentation of the facts in the title and opening paragraph - which were belied by the penultimate one! I, for one, wish that certain journalists would act more responsibly and respectfully!

Perhaps the journalist isn't happy with the evacuation protocol, could they be in the thick of it and are a little anxious, or disgruntled themselves with how this evacuation is being organised?

Could this be how the general feeling is up there at present?

Hard to say, given we are down here out of harms way.

The journalists duty is to reflect the feeling of those they are interviewing, not stifle public attitude, opinion, and or concern,  in order to pander to a certain dry sleeved politicians apparent mismanagement.

PC or not, these people are terrified.

And journalists are people too.

::)

mellie wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 4:02pm:

Equitist wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 3:59pm: The communication problem in that article was one of deliberate sensationalist misrepresentation of the facts in the title and opening paragraph - which were belied by the penultimate one! I, for one, wish that certain journalists would act more responsibly and respectfully! Perhaps the journalist isn't happy with the evacuation protocol, could they be in the thick of it and are a little anxious, or disgruntled themselves with how this evacuation is being organised? Could this be how the general feeling is up there at present? Hard to say, given we are down here out of harms way.

I don't care whether they're there in the thick of it or not - they are taking a dangerously sensationalist and dishonest approach (as is evidenced in the abridged version available here): -

http://blogs.reuters.com/rob-taylor/

mellie wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 4:07pm:

The journalists duty is to reflect the feeling of those they are interviewing, not stifle public attitude, opinion, and or concern,  in order to pander to a certain dry sleeved politicians apparent mismanagement. PC or not, these people are terrified. And journalists are people too. ::)

Bollox! Terrified or not, they have a responsibility to present a balanced view of the facts known to them - and the title and opening paragraph did not represent the facts!

perceptions_now wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 2:04pm:

How Cyclone Yasi compares around the world http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2011/02/02/1225998/738933-tc-yasi-superimposed-on-usa.gif IF you're struggling to grasp the magnitude of Tropical Cyclone Yasi, consider this: it is so large it would almost cover the United States, most of Asia and large parts of Europe. Most of the coverage about the scale of Yasi has tried to compare it with storms of the past - it's bigger than Larry, more powerful than Tracy. But just as powerful is this comparison, showing this storm is continental in size.  The main bloc of the cyclone is 500km wide, while its associated activity, shown above in a colour-coding to match intensity, stretches over 2000km. The storm's scale of destruction is as shocking as it is inevitable.  In the map above, the United States from Pennsylvania in the east to Nevada in the west, from Georgia in the south to Canada in the north and well into Mexico would be battered with 300km/h winds and up to one metre of rain. The economic impact would be felt around the world. Link - http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/floodrelief/how-cyclone-yasi-compares-around-the-world/story-fn7ik2te-1225998762870 =================== For perspective, particularly for our Amercian friends.

There's me.
About an inch to the left of the aqua blue bit on the bottom left.
La Jolla, California - even Perceptions cyclone misses us!!  

We do have a small matter of the San Andreas fault underneath us though.

mellie wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 4:02pm:

Equitist wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 3:59pm: perceptions_now wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 3:50pm: Frightened Australian cyclone evacuees turned away Feb 2 (Reuters) - Australian police turned people away from jammed evacuation shelters on Wednesday as a huge cyclone neared the northeast coast, leaving many to wait outside in the open, praying police will relent and squeeze them in before the storm arrives. Cyclone Yasi is the most dangerous cyclone to come ashore in Australia in a century, forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate their homes and overwhelm cyclone shelters which are already refuge to more than 10,000. At a shopping centre which serves as a shelter in Cairns, a tourist city destined to feel Yasi's wrath within hours, Selwyn Hughes stood with his family in the uncovered carpark and said his only comfort for the moment was in numbers. "There are so many of us here. Surely they have to do something, find somewhere safer to move us to before it arrives," Hughes said, squatting on a pink suitcase with his five children, aged two to 13. The family's only possessions were a small box of food, including a tin of powdered milk, and clothes and a pram for two-year-old daughter Minoota. Around them 80 others sat on the ground and shared advice or sympathy. At a steel barrier gate, four police guarded entry to a ramp up to a cinema complex being used as a rooftop entry point to the makeshift cyclone shelter, as grey clouds swirled and winds whistled over fences and rooftops. "It's making it very difficult. We're disappointed we can't take any more people in, but I've been through in there and it's just not safe," said acting police inspector John Bosnjak. Inside, more than 2,000 people lay in front of shuttered shops and foodcourts, or sat on empty tables, while children played on moving walkways. All seven evacuations centres set up in the region have reached capacity ahead of Yasi's arrival, filled also by hundreds of foreign backpackers sent away from usually thriving waterfront hostels. Around 30,000 people in low-lying suburbs evacuated their homes and poured into the centres when doors opened at about 6 am, or bunkered down in the homes of friends at the urging of the government, helping ease the strain on shelters. Others joined a stream of traffic heading south. Cairns Mayor Val Schier advised residents to batten down in their own homes, while last-minute preparations were also being made to open an eighth shelter and move people there by bus. The last category 5 cyclone to hit the Queensland coast was in 1918. That storm killed almost 90 people. Link - http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/02/australia-cyclone-evacuation-idUSL3E7D205M20110202?pageNumber=1 ================== I earnestly hope that the relevant authorities communication skills improve, in a hell of a hurry, and these people & any others looking for shelter, can be accommodated, prior to the worse of this cyclone hitting, later today! Our communications & delivery of services, need to be a lot better than this! The communication problem in that article was one of deliberate sensationalist misrepresentation of the facts in the title and opening paragraph - which were belied by the penultimate one! I, for one, wish that certain journalists would act more responsibly and respectfully! Perhaps the journalist isn't happy with the evacuation protocol, could they be in the thick of it and are a little anxious, or disgruntled themselves with how this evacuation is being organised? Could this be how the general feeling is up there at present? Hard to say, given we are down here out of harms way.

I hope you are correct and this apparent hic-cup has been resolved, satisfactorily!

However, if they were just turned away, without the police communicating their problem to a higher authority and in turn arrangements being put in place for these people, then that would be very un-satisfactory!

Even one death, will be one more than Anna Bligh can afford, 'politically', so I suggest she puts-on her superwoman costume very quickly, if this reporter is not in anyway sensationalising, this and ensures the well being of not only our 'tourists', but our indigenous communities also.

Charity should begin at home!

Why isn't it?

Have they left it too late again?

::)

Turning people away like this (however early) results in unnecessary anxiety, and if this is the way of it, then the public need to know.

Last minute arrangements rarely go off without a hitch and or mass-panic.

Perhaps our thoughtful politicians should bear this in mind.

Equitist wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 4:14pm:

mellie wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 4:07pm: The journalists duty is to reflect the feeling of those they are interviewing, not stifle public attitude, opinion, and or concern,  in order to pander to a certain dry sleeved politicians apparent mismanagement. PC or not, these people are terrified. And journalists are people too. ::) Bollox! Terrified or not, they have a responsibility to present a balanced view of the facts known to them - and the title and opening paragraph did not represent the facts!

Balance? Under a Labor dictated commy press?

Get real!

One of my closest friends mother and sister live in Cairns, however they are presently in Canberra, looking after a relative, (left weeks ago)...so I will be very interested in hearing from my close friend, what the general feeling of the community is upon their return after the cyclone.

And I wont be stifling my views as soon as I get feedback.

Rest assured.

:)

mellie wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 4:25pm:

Turning people away like this (however early) results in unnecessary anxiety, and if this is the way of it, then the public need to know. Last minute arrangements rarely go off without a hitch and or mass-panic. Perhaps our thoughtful politicians should bear this in mind.

Notwithstanding that, according to an official news bulletin I watched earlier, only a couple? of these evacuation centres are actually rated as cyclone-proof (and therefore that people may well be safer bunkering down in their own homes) - it is clear that the author of the article was making mischief with the wording of the title and opening paragraph.

FFS, in the penultimate paragraph, the journalist specifically mentions that buses were already being organised to take people to a newly-opened shelter...

Moreover, there were earlier TV reports on ABC News 24 that specifically mentioned the contingency of opening additional centre/s, if required!

mellie wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 4:30pm:

Equitist wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 4:14pm: mellie wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 4:07pm: The journalists duty is to reflect the feeling of those they are interviewing, not stifle public attitude, opinion, and or concern,  in order to pander to a certain dry sleeved politicians apparent mismanagement. PC or not, these people are terrified. And journalists are people too. ::) Bollox! Terrified or not, they have a responsibility to present a balanced view of the facts known to them - and the title and opening paragraph did not represent the facts! Balance? Under a Labor dictated commy press? Get real! One of my closest friends mother and sister live in Cairns, however they are presently in Canberra, looking after a relative, (left weeks ago)...so I will be very interested in hearing off my close friend, what the general feeling of the community is upon their return after the cyclone. And I wont be stifling my views as soon as I get feedback. Rest assured. :)

Yer, well...we wouldn't be expecting you to take an objective perspective on anything that could be exploited for partisan advantage in favour of your beloved Libs...

Quote:

Bollox! Terrified or not, they have a responsibility to present a balanced view of the facts known to them - and the title and opening paragraph did not represent the facts!

Prior experience has found that the media will trot out their talking heads and "experts" who will often give conflicting information while their reporters will usually just look for the most sensationalist angle.

That's why the disaster management guidelines now dictate that someone like the Premier is used as the primary source of information and directives.

It's absolutely terrible for Queensland to be inflicted by two such terrible natural occurences in such a brief period of time. This is terrible and I very much hope that our government will be able to handle it as competently as they are able to. As much as I dislike our ruling class, we can only hope, for the people of Queensland's sake, that we'll be putting away petty partisan squabbles for this event, which will be most greatly facilitated by a united front. I'll gladly pay a disaster relief tax to get the region back on its feet.

I don't care about your 'official' news bulletin, (I am watching the news myself)... my primary concern rests with those clearly experiencing some degree of anxiety at present, be it rationalised or otherwise.

If it's a case of irresponsible reporting, or a few panic merchant locals being a little theatrical, then perhaps their fears need to be laid to rest?
Personally, I think a more uncensored and 'balanced' approach is best, particularly if their fears are justified.

Be aware of our inherent "she'll  be right mate quality"...so if these locals are truly concerned, then I am inclined to think that perhaps we should be too.

We are a proud robust race, and not inclined to 'exaggerate' normally, if anything, we generally play these things down, so....

Why are family's sitting on pink-suitcases out in the street with young children without shelter feeling anxious after having been turned away by others entrusted with the duty of sheltering tourists?

Why are these shelters already full?

Wow, Yasi is predicted to have more powerful winds and more rainfall than cyclones/hurricanes Larry, Katrina and Tracey - and Yasi dwarfs all but Katrina...

http://www.abc.net.au/news/infographics/cyclone-season-2010-2011/cyclone_comparison.jpg

http://www.abc.net.au/news/infographics/cyclone-season-2010-2011/cyclone_comparison.jpg

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland
Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre

Media: Transmitters serving the area from Cape Flattery to Sarina and inland to
Georgetown are requested to USE the Standard Emergency Warning Signal before
broadcasting the following warning.

TOP PRIORITY
TROPICAL CYCLONE ADVICE NUMBER 16
Issued by the Bureau of Meteorology, Brisbane
Issued at 3:54pm EST on Wednesday the 2nd of February 2011

A Cyclone WARNING is current for coastal and island communities from Cape
Flattery to Sarina, extending inland to Julia Creek and to the area west of
Croydon.

A Cyclone WATCH is current for the remaining inland parts west to the Northern
Territory border and north of Winton.

At 4:00 pm EST Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasi, Category 5 was estimated to be 250
kilometres east of Cairns and 275 kilometres north northeast of Townsville and
moving west southwest at 35 kilometres per hour.

SEVERE TROPICAL CYCLONE YASI IS A LARGE AND VERY POWERFUL TROPICAL CYCLONE AND
POSES AN EXTREMELY SERIOUS THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY WITHIN THE WARNING AREA,
ESPECIALLY BETWEEN CAIRNS AND TOWNSVILLE.

DURING THE EVENING, THE VERY DESTRUCTIVE CORE OF CYCLONE YASI WILL CROSS THE
COAST BETWEEN CAIRNS AND INGHAM, ACCOMPANIED BY A DANGEROUS STORM TIDE SOUTH OF
THE CYCLONE CENTRE.

Tropical Cyclone Yasi, CATEGORY 5, will continue to move in a west-southwesterly
direction. The cyclone is expected to cross the coast between Innisfail and
Cardwell about 11 pm EST.

Coastal residents within the warning area, and particularly between Cairns and
Proserpine including the Whitsundays, are specifically warned of an EXTREMELY
DANGEROUS SEA LEVEL RISE [i.e. storm tide] as the cyclone approaches, crosses
the coast and moves inland. The sea is likely to steadily rise up to a level
which will be VERY DANGEROUSLY above the normal tide, with EXTREMELY DAMAGING
WAVES, STRONG CURRENTS and FLOODING of low-lying areas extending some way
inland. The storm tide will persist for many hours after landfall of the cyclone
and secondary peaks may occur around high tide on Thursday morning.

People living in areas likely to be affected by this flooding should take
measures to protect their property as much as possible, and be prepared to
follow instructions regarding evacuation of the area if advised to do so by
authorities.

DAMAGING WINDS with gusts to 90 km/h are currently affecting the coast and
islands, and are forecast to spread into the tropical interior overnight and
west to Julia Creek during Thursday.

Between Port Douglas and Ayr these winds will become DESTRUCTIVE with gusts in
excess of 125 km/h developing during this afternoon and early evening, spreading
into the tropical interior overnight. VERY DESTRUCTIVE winds with gusts up to
290 km/h are expected to develop between Cairns and Ingham during the evening as
the cyclone approaches and crosses the coast. These VERY DESTRUCTIVE winds will
also occur north of the cyclone and affect the Atherton Tablelands.

Due to the large size of the cyclone, people in the path of the VERY DESTRUCTIVE
WINDS are likely to experience these conditions for about 3 to 4 hours.

Winds are forecast to gradually ease about the east coast during Thursday
morning as the cyclone moves inland.

FLOODING RAINS will develop from Cooktown to Sarina during the afternoon and
then extend inland overnight.

People between Cape Flattery and Sarina, extending inland to Julia Creek and to
the area west of Croydon should complete preparations quickly and be prepared to
shelter in a safe place.
- Boats and outside property should be secured.
- For cyclone preparedness and safety advice, visit Queensland's Disaster
Management Services website [www.disaster.qld.gov.au]
- For emergency assistance call the Queensland State Emergency Service [SES] on
132 500 [for assistance with storm damage, rising flood water, fallen trees on
buildings or roof damage].

People about the remaining inland parts west to the Northern Territory border
and north of Winton should consider what action they will need to take if the
cyclone threat increases.
- Information is available from your local government
- For cyclone preparedness and safety advice, visit Queensland's Disaster
Management Services website [www.disaster.qld.gov.au]
- For emergency assistance call the Queensland State Emergency Service [SES] on
132 500 [for assistance with storm damage, rising flood water, fallen trees on
buildings or roof damage].

Details of Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasi at 4:00 pm EST:
.Centre located near...... 17.1 degrees South 148.1 degrees East
.Location accuracy........ within 30 kilometres
.Recent movement.......... towards the west southwest at 35 kilometres per hour
.Wind gusts near centre... 285 kilometres per hour
.Severity category........ 5
.Central pressure......... 930 hectoPascals


Please ensure that neighbours have heard and understood this message,
particularly new arrivals or those who may not fully understand English.

The next advice will be issued by 5:00 pm EST Wednesday 02 February.

This warning is also available through TV and Radio Broadcasts; the Bureau's
website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 212.  The Bureau and the State
Emergency Service would appreciate this warning being broadcast regularly.

Link -
http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQP0005.txt

Quote:

This is terrible and I very much hope that our government will be able to handle it as competently as they are able to.

-Imperium.

We are talking about Anna Bligh here, furthermore, Gillard herself has already 'officially' announced this will be the biggest cyclone Australia has ever seen.

So.... no wonder people are anxious!

mellie wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 4:50pm:

I don't care about your 'official' news bulletin, (I am watching the news myself)... my primary concern rests with those clearly experiencing some degree of anxiety at present, be it rationalised or otherwise. If it's a case of irresponsible reporting, or a few panic merchant locals being a little theatrical, then perhaps their fears need to be laid to rest? Personally, I think a more uncensored and 'balanced' approach is best, particularly if their fears are justified. Be aware of our inherent "she'll  be right mate quality"...so if these locals are truly concerned, then I am inclined to think that perhaps we should be too. We are a proud robust race, and not inclined to 'exaggerate' normally, if anything, we generally play these things down, so.... Why are family's sitting on pink-suitcases out in the street with young children without shelter feeling anxious after having been turned away by others entrusted with the duty of sheltering tourists? Why are these shelters already full?

Again!

It comes down to individual 'perception' I guess.

Seems my parents-in-law are riding it out.

Though he is not happy with this tree next to the house which he has told his neighbor ("a smacking Victorian") for the last 5 years to have cut down........

Life_goes_on wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 4:42pm:

Quote: Bollox! Terrified or not, they have a responsibility to present a balanced view of the facts known to them - and the title and opening paragraph did not represent the facts! Prior experience has found that the media will trot out their talking heads and "experts" who will often give conflicting information while their reporters will usually just look for the most sensationalist angle. That's why the disaster management guidelines now dictate that someone like the Premier is used as the primary source of information and directives.

Perhaps, but are you prepared to take this chance?

This and stop concerning /writing about the matter, this and are prepared to leave a number of indigenous communities well-being in the hands of Anna Bligh.

Ps..  They just put it across the News, people , black woman with babies in their arms are crying, telling reporters they hope they get a place in a shelter soon.

So..time you changed the channel I think.  Channel 7.

So much for your talking head theory eh?!

8-) Perhaps they employed some indigenous actresses?

Innisfail!!

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 4:56pm:

Seems my parents-in-law are riding it out. Though he is not happy with this tree next to the house which he has told his neighbor ("a smacking Victorian") for the last 5 years to have cut down........

I think it might be time to have a chat with your in-laws...alert them to the possibility of their media intentionally playing this down due to there being a lack of shelter.

Like always, we left it too late...

It turned into a Cat 5 over night, and is gaining momentum.

Be aware, many of these communities are still recovering from the dread of Cyclone Larry, so knowing this one will be much worse, would be quite terrifying I assume?

Why are these shelters filled with back-packers?

Bit of a Titanic, 3rd class life-raft phenomena perhaps?

I hope this is not the case.

And hope they are all pretending to be terrified and lining up out the front of shelters with screaming kids too.

mellie wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 4:54pm:

Quote: This is terrible and I very much hope that our government will be able to handle it as competently as they are able to. -Imperium. We are talking about Anna Bligh here, furthermore, Gillard herself has already 'officially' announced this will be the biggest cyclone Australia has ever seen. So.... no wonder people are anxious!

Mellie,
In this instance, if one was to err, it would be better to err on the side of overstating, than understating , the magnitude of the problem.

This is something much bigger than has been seen, in the modern Australian era.

Particularly, when considering that I believe that when the last categoy 5 cyclone hit Queensland in 1918, the total Australian Population was under 5 million and now the current Population of Queensland is over 4.6 million, this is a much greater problem being faced today!

mellie wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 5:11pm:

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 4:56pm: Seems my parents-in-law are riding it out. Though he is not happy with this tree next to the house which he has told his neighbor ("a smacking Victorian") for the last 5 years to have cut down........ I think it might be time to have a chat with your in-laws...alert them to the possibility of their media intentionally playing this down due to there being a lack of shelter. Like always, we left it too late... It turned into a Cat 5 over night, and is gaining momentum. Be aware, many of these communities are still recovering from the dread of Cyclone Larry, so knowing this one will be much worse, would be quite terrifying I assume? Why are these shelters filled with back-packers? Bit of a Titanic, 3rd class life-raft phenomena perhaps? I hope this is not the case. And hope they are all pretending to be terrified and lining up out the front of shelters with screaming kids too.

Having been watching some of the reports, particularly channel 7, I must say, your comment is entirely in-accurate!

The media is certainly not, playing it down.

perceptions_now wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 5:12pm:

mellie wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 4:54pm: Quote: This is terrible and I very much hope that our government will be able to handle it as competently as they are able to. -Imperium. We are talking about Anna Bligh here, furthermore, Gillard herself has already 'officially' announced this will be the biggest cyclone Australia has ever seen. So.... no wonder people are anxious! Mellie, In this instance, if one was to err, it would be better to err on the side of overstating, than understating , the magnitude of the problem. This is something much bigger than has been seen, in the modern Australian era. Particularly, when considering that I believe that when the last categoy 5 cyclone hit Queensland in 1918, the total Australian Population was under 5 million and now the current Population of Queensland is over 4.6 million, this is a much greater problem being faced today!

I understand exactly what you are saying, but if there is something 'more' we could be doing, though are for some reason or another, holding back...I think I'd rather be reporting on the other side of the 'eer'..  better to be safe than sorry, yes?

Tracy was a perfect example, of how people 'under--panic'...including our government when it came to evacuation.

A day late, and a dollar short...  that's our Anna Bligh.




Quote:

Mellie, In this instance, if one was to err, it would be better to err on the side of overstating, than understating , the magnitude of the problem.

I agree!

All the best to everyone in Queensland and lets all hope there is no loss of life and as little damage as possible.
I cant imagine what the people there are going through but lets hope every Aussie does everything they can to help as this new disaster unfolds.
If you can afford to give...give till it hurts

perceptions_now wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 5:15pm:

mellie wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 5:11pm: Andrei.Hicks wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 4:56pm: Seems my parents-in-law are riding it out. Though he is not happy with this tree next to the house which he has told his neighbor ("a smacking Victorian") for the last 5 years to have cut down........ I think it might be time to have a chat with your in-laws...alert them to the possibility of their media intentionally playing this down due to there being a lack of shelter. Like always, we left it too late... It turned into a Cat 5 over night, and is gaining momentum. Be aware, many of these communities are still recovering from the dread of Cyclone Larry, so knowing this one will be much worse, would be quite terrifying I assume? Why are these shelters filled with back-packers? Bit of a Titanic, 3rd class life-raft phenomena perhaps? I hope this is not the case. And hope they are all pretending to be terrified and lining up out the front of shelters with screaming kids too. Having been watching some of the reports, particularly channel 7, I must say, your comment is entirely in-accurate! The media is certainly not, playing it down.

I'm referring to their more 'local' authorities and media playing it down....not channel 7.
I am glad Chan 7 are there!


But what good is it if the locals themselves are out on the street, and are not viewing this coverage?

Big difference between living it and viewing it!

LNP MP Warren Entsch is currently speaking on ABC News 24 - he reckons that all the necessary preparations have been made - that there's a "high level of preparedness"...

In fact, he's so relaxed that he's planning on settling down with his family and neighbours in their chosen bunker (his home) to a good meal and "2 bottles of that 'red medicine'..."...

Actually, there's been a few references to the booze in the interview...

This girls coming in, and she will be a Cat 5, there's no doubting this now.

Last night, I wasn't overly concerned, but it's clear, there's some sort of concern among the 'indigenous', regarding shelter availability....with respects to back-packers being granted priority it seems. Why they feel this way, is up to individual interpretation.

And if they are concerned, then I'm concerned....even if they are concerning unnecessarily.

Equitist wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 5:26pm:

LNP MP is currently speaking on ABC News 24 - he reckons that all the necessary preparations have been made - that there's a "high level of preparedness"... In fact, he's so relaxed that he's planning on setting down with his family and neighbours in their chosen bunker to a good meal and "2 botles of that 'red medicine'..."...

Sounds like he wants an 'independent' promotion to Labors ranks...  ABC, government controlled network.

Change the channel!

::)

Even the Lib Nats have their weasels!

Also...the booze reference has a similar ring to the 'official' attitude being delivered to the community during cyclone Tracy.


I often wonder, did the public under-panic, or did the officials themselves encourage them to do so in a manner of speaking...(was Christmas afterall, had to keep people spending, boozing, oblivious)... to save themselves a few $$$ even, if it meant expending 74 lives?

mellie wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 5:30pm:

Equitist wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 5:26pm: LNP MP is currently speaking on ABC News 24 - he reckons that all the necessary preparations have been made - that there's a "high level of preparedness"... In fact, he's so relaxed that he's planning on setting down with his family and neighbours in their chosen bunker to a good meal and "2 botles of that 'red medicine'..."... Sounds like he wants an 'independent' promotion to Labors ranks...  ABC, government controlled network. Change the channel! ::) Even the Lib Nats have their weasels!

Not that I think that Warren Entsch is likely to look to the Labs for future employment, but I've heard him called something like 'weasel' in the past...

::)

Seriously, Mel, this is a potentially grave and horrific natural disaster in the making - one which no Govt could be expected to have the capacity to protect every life, limb and item of property from...

In fact, some people people have definitely refused to leave their homes against official advice to do so on the basis of predicted storm surges...

[Comment From greg greg: ]
roof sheeting off urban quarter shopping centre in townsville

and it's still 4-6 hours away......yikes!!!

mellie wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 5:37pm:

Also...the booze reference has a similar ring to the 'official' attitude being delivered to the community during cyclone Tracy. I often wonder, did the public under-panic, or did the officials themselves encourage them to do so in a manner of speaking...(was Christmas afterall, had to keep people spending, boozing, oblivious)... to save themselves a few $$$ even, if it meant expending 74 lives?

I don't recall hearing Gillard or Bligh encouraging people to booze on during this cyclone event - perhaps turning to booze at a time like this is more a male thing!?

Equitist wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 5:38pm:

mellie wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 5:30pm: Equitist wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 5:26pm: LNP MP is currently speaking on ABC News 24 - he reckons that all the necessary preparations have been made - that there's a "high level of preparedness"... In fact, he's so relaxed that he's planning on setting down with his family and neighbours in their chosen bunker to a good meal and "2 botles of that 'red medicine'..."... Sounds like he wants an 'independent' promotion to Labors ranks...  ABC, government controlled network. Change the channel! ::) Even the Lib Nats have their weasels! Not that I think that Warren Entsch is likely to look to the Labs for future employment, but I've heard him called something like 'weasel' in the past... ::) Seriously, Mel, this is a potentially grave and horrific natural disaster in the making - one which no Govt could be expected to have the capacity to protect every life, limb and item of property from... In fact, some people people have definitely refused to leave their homes against official advice to do so on the basis of predicted storm surges...

I know, which is why we need to keep at it. If they know we know, then perhaps, they might do a bit more for them.

I just got a call from someone from the Daily Telegraph, can I PM you about this?

[Comment From peter peter: ]
alice river townsville. neighbour has lost entire row of 6 feet tall shrubs, across the road a 30 foot gum try snapped in half. and the real deal hasnt arrived yet :(

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 5:42pm:

[Comment From greg greg: ] roof sheeting off urban quarter shopping centre in townsville and it's still 4-6 hours away......yikes!!!

Yikes, indeed!!!

Equitist wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 5:42pm:

mellie wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 5:37pm: Also...the booze reference has a similar ring to the 'official' attitude being delivered to the community during cyclone Tracy. I often wonder, did the public under-panic, or did the officials themselves encourage them to do so in a manner of speaking...(was Christmas afterall, had to keep people spending, boozing, oblivious)... to save themselves a few $$$ even, if it meant expending 74 lives? I don't recall hearing Gillard or Bligh encouraging people to booze on during this cyclone event - perhaps turning to booze at a time like this is more a male thing!?

Just has the same....  ambivalent 'official' odour about it...this is what's concerning me.

Does anybody have the current cricket score?

Fuggin' yasi coverage has taken over the cricket.

Go to this page....live comments from people all over the world

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/anna-bligh-warns-people-to-evacuate-ahead-of-cyclone-yasi/story-e6freoof-1225998571123

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 5:45pm:

Go to this page....live comments from people all over the world http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/anna-bligh-warns-people-to-evacuate-ahead-of-cyclone-yasi/story-e6freoof-1225998571123

Damn. You had me going for a minute. I thought it was the live cricket scores.

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 5:43pm:

[Comment From peter peter: ] alice river townsville. neighbour has lost entire row of 6 feet tall shrubs, across the road a 30 foot gum try snapped in half. and the real deal hasnt arrived yet :(

We had trees snap in half around here in the December 2000 narrow freak storm that ripped the roofing off our high-set waterfront balcony and shredded it all over the front yard (>900sqm block with house towards rear waterfront)...

In the same storm, the roofing of the much larger balcony of the builder's home a few doors down from us was lifted off in one piece and landed intact on the roof across the road - it lifted so high and suddenly that it actually cleared the large TV antenna of the original (builder's) home...

Life_goes_on wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 5:47pm:

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 5:45pm: Go to this page....live comments from people all over the world http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/anna-bligh-warns-people-to-evacuate-ahead-of-cyclone-yasi/story-e6freoof-1225998571123 Damn. You had me going for a minute. I thought it was the live cricket scores.

Mind your cricket cap doesn't fly off in the wind there...
;)

Life_goes_on wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 5:47pm:

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 5:45pm: Go to this page....live comments from people all over the world http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/anna-bligh-warns-people-to-evacuate-ahead-of-cyclone-yasi/story-e6freoof-1225998571123 Damn. You had me going for a minute. I thought it was the live cricket scores.

you probably only missed 1o minutes nothing will have happened

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 5:55pm:

Life_goes_on wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 5:47pm: Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 5:45pm: Go to this page....live comments from people all over the world http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/anna-bligh-warns-people-to-evacuate-ahead-of-cyclone-yasi/story-e6freoof-1225998571123 Damn. You had me going for a minute. I thought it was the live cricket scores. you probably only missed 1o minutes nothing will have happened

No wait, I think one of the terracotta soldiers moved...may have applied some block-out to his nose...or swatted a fly... ;)

'live' cricket score. Irony noted!

8-)

I packed a cut lunch, filled the thermos and stuffed the esky for the drive to Bundaberg today.

You wouldn't know the place experienced a flood on a month ago. All the places that were up their roofs in floodwater have been given a new lick of paint and are back in action. Apart from a few giant potholes and a lot of temporary road repairs you simply can't tell that there was a recent flood. I was expecting to see at least a few businesses still closed and a lot of homes still being worked on.

Cyclones f-ck up places a lot worse than floods.

Worst cyclone in memory looms off Qld


Thousands of north Queenslanders are hunkered down in shelters and homes waiting for the most powerful cyclone in nearly a century to slam into the coast south of Cairns.

Category five tropical Cyclone Yasi should make landfall between Innisfail and Cardwell around 11pm (AEST) on Wednesday, with authorities confident they have picked the spot within a 30km range of accuracy.

The cyclone is powered by winds of 295km/h, and gusts have already brought down trees, ruined weather monitoring equipment on Willis Island, off Cairns, and taken out power at Airlie Beach, Ayr and Townsville.

Yasi will cross the coast on the high tide, with an accompanying storm surge expected to engulf low-lying areas.  

At Cardwell the surge could build to seven metres and at Townsville - up to three metres.

Yasi's size means its force will be felt a long way inland. The storm is forecast to maintain category three force as it passes over Georgetown - 300km inland - at 7am (AEST) on Thursday.

Flooding rains will fall between Cooktown and Sarina, moving inland.

Premier Anna Bligh said Yasi could be more destructive than the last cyclone of the same magnitude, which crossed the coast in 1918.  

That year, two devastating cyclones hit Mackay and then Innisfail, decimating the two towns and killing more than 100 people.

"This impact is likely to be more life-threatening than any experienced during recent generations," Ms Bligh told reporters in Brisbane.

"This is an event that we have no recent experience of."

More than 10,680 people have fled to 20 evacuation centres, while tens of thousands more are in their homes or in those of family or friends.

They have been warned they will be on their own during the storm and to take their safety seriously.

State disaster co-ordinator Ian Stewart has stressed emergency services will not be able to respond to triple-0 calls during the storm, as their own safety must be guaranteed.

People should huddle in the safest room of their home, likely to be the bathroom or toilet, with mattresses, food, water and raincoats and be prepared for the worst, Mr Stewart said.

"They should be preparing themselves for the fact that the roofs of their houses may lift off but that does not make the structure or the framework of the house any less sound," he said.

"They get wet, but it is far more dangerous to panic and run out of the house than to stay bunkered down in that area and simply get a bit wet."

Authorities have warned people not to go outside during the period of calm that means they are in the eye of the cyclone. The lull could last for more than one hour, but the storm would return to its worst afterwards.

Many in northern Queensland spent Wednesday morning making last-minute preparations, stocking up on food, cash, water, petrol and even buying out beer stocks at bottle shops.

The seaside tourist town of Cardwell was deserted. At Innisfail, Crown Hotel publican Max Wallace described the rain as torrential.

"People are very, very frightened at this moment," he told AAP.

"... Everyone's taped their windows, and everyone is just sitting back now, listening to radios and TVs to get an outlook on what's going on."

Cairns resident Anna Kris is one of thousands who will ride out the storm in an evacuation centre.

"The fear is just below the belt and were trying to keep it there," she told AAP.

Townsville's Ian Hollins will hunker down in his home, which he spent $50,000 to make cyclone-proof in the 1980s.

"If mine goes, everyone's goes," he told AAP.

"The only thing I'm worried about is the flying debris."

Authorities say flood-weary Queensland is prepared for Yasi, with hundreds of emergency services and defence personnel ready to go into action.

The plans extend to the possibility that offshore bases may be needed in the aftermath, with the navy prepared to bring ships to the coast if necessary, as they did during the response to the Asian tsunami of 2004.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has warned Yasi would probably be the worst cyclone ever to hit Australia.

She said Queenslanders were about to face "many, many dreadful, frightening hours".

"In the hours of destruction that are coming to them, all of Australia is going to be thinking of them," she said.

The federal government was ready to send any help required.

Link -
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/worst-cyclone-in-memory-looms-off-qld-20110202-1acm6.html
===============
With the population of Queensland now, nearly as large as ALL of Australia was in 1918, this huge cyclone is a massive threat to property & lives, we will be in need of a little luck?

Quote:

With the population of Queensland now, nearly as large as ALL of Australia was in 1918

Yes, but only a fraction of the state's population are in the path of Yasi.

Life_goes_on wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 6:12pm:

Quote: With the population of Queensland now, nearly as large as ALL of Australia was in 1918 Yes, but only a fraction of the state's population are in the path of Yasi.

A fraction bigger than Darwin 1974 though wouldn't you say?

Life_goes_on wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 6:08pm:

Cyclones f-ck up places a lot worse than floods.

True - that would be because they not only bring a lot of flooding water over a short period of time, but they also have savage winds and storm surges have waves powered by those winds...

This is a particularly savage cyclone to boot!

All this is pointing to the need for a National Disaster Levy - instead of the proposed Flood Levy - wonder how knee-jerk oppositional Abbott will handle this...

Probably ten times the population of Darwin in 1974.

I guess it might affect somewhere around 400,000 by the time it ceases to be a cyclone.

Equitist wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 6:20pm:

Life_goes_on wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 6:08pm: Cyclones f-ck up places a lot worse than floods. True - that would be because they not only bring a lot of flooding water over a short period of time, but they also have savage winds and storm surges have waves powered by those winds... This is a particularly savage cyclone to boot! All this is pointing to the need for a National Disaster Levy - instead of the proposed Flood Levy - wonder how knee-jerk oppositional Abbott will handle this...

It's not his responsibility to 'handle' anything, it's Anna Blighs, c/o Labor remember, she is afterall their premier, not Abbott.

Remember, you get what you vote for!

I'm sure Labor have a firm grip on the situation, can a rat drown twice?

8-)

No really, can it?

It takes a special breed of nutjob to attempt to score political points off a natural disaster.

Life_goes_on wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 6:26pm:

It takes a special breed of nutjob to attempt to score political points off a natural disaster.

Tell this to Gillards press- gallery!

;D

It was her duty afterall.....sigh~!

Equitist wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 6:20pm:

Life_goes_on wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 6:08pm: Cyclones f-ck up places a lot worse than floods. True - that would be because they not only bring a lot of flooding water over a short period of time, but they also have savage winds and storm surges have waves powered by those winds... This is a particularly savage cyclone to boot! All this is pointing to the need for a National Disaster Levy - instead of the proposed Flood Levy - wonder how knee-jerk oppositional Abbott will handle this...

What do you expect him to do -  go out and stop it ?


Give it a rest Eq.  people will lose everything and lives could be lost as well and all you can do is sling off at Abbott.  

People with disabilities, physical or mental living alone are of huge concern to me.

Left behind to panic alone.

Who will reassure them?

There was a guy with a disability just on the ABC, he advised reporters he has his bags packed, though doesn't know where to go.

He's clearly anxious, distressed, who will take care of him?

I hope the reporters do!

:) Someone has to.

nichy wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 6:37pm:

Equitist wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 6:20pm: Life_goes_on wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 6:08pm: Cyclones f-ck up places a lot worse than floods. True - that would be because they not only bring a lot of flooding water over a short period of time, but they also have savage winds and storm surges have waves powered by those winds... This is a particularly savage cyclone to boot! All this is pointing to the need for a National Disaster Levy - instead of the proposed Flood Levy - wonder how knee-jerk oppositional Abbott will handle this... What do you expect him to do -  go out and stop it ? Give it a rest Eq.  people will lose everything and lives could be lost as well and all you can do is sling off at Abbott.

Perhaps they are waiting for Moses, to quite literally, part the sea?

::) Agreed, pretty silly, why bring Abbott into it, he is afterall in opposition, and they are afterall in a Labor state.

And even if he did try to voice his opinion, Labor would only spin it back on him, this and accuse him of political grand-standing 'vulturism' ...during hard times...

::)

nichy wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 6:37pm:

Equitist wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 6:20pm: Life_goes_on wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 6:08pm: Cyclones f-ck up places a lot worse than floods. True - that would be because they not only bring a lot of flooding water over a short period of time, but they also have savage winds and storm surges have waves powered by those winds... This is a particularly savage cyclone to boot! All this is pointing to the need for a National Disaster Levy - instead of the proposed Flood Levy - wonder how knee-jerk oppositional Abbott will handle this... What do you expect him to do -  go out and stop it ? Give it a rest Eq.  people will lose everything and lives could be lost as well and all you can do is sling off at Abbott.

Actually, Nichy, I think you will find that much of this thread has been devoted to the remarkably-unfounded slagging of Gillard and Bligh - over things that they purportedly have or have not done in relation to the cyclone...

You will note, from my abovementioned comment, that I do not support the current proposals of either Gillard or Abbott - Gillard has proposed a temporary Flood Levy and I favour a permanent Natural Disaster Levy (in response, Abbott has been predictably obstructionist and unhelpful - period)...

Either way, in the context of Yasi (and the Black Saturday Bushfires) by their comments in relation to the proposed Flood Levy, I contend that both the Federal LibLabs have been shown to be far too short-sighted in relation to natural disaster contingency planning (and natural disaster insurance regulation) - and especially for reconstruction funding!

Equitist wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 7:03pm:

nichy wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 6:37pm: Equitist wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 6:20pm: Life_goes_on wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 6:08pm: Cyclones f-ck up places a lot worse than floods. True - that would be because they not only bring a lot of flooding water over a short period of time, but they also have savage winds and storm surges have waves powered by those winds... This is a particularly savage cyclone to boot! All this is pointing to the need for a National Disaster Levy - instead of the proposed Flood Levy - wonder how knee-jerk oppositional Abbott will handle this... What do you expect him to do -  go out and stop it ? Give it a rest Eq.  people will lose everything and lives could be lost as well and all you can do is sling off at Abbott.   Actually, Nichy, I think you will find that much of this thread has been devoted to the remarkably-unfounded slagging of Gillard and Bligh - over things that they purportedly have or have not done in relation to the cyclone... You will note, from my abovementioned comment, that I do not support the current proposals of either Gillard or Abbott - Gillard has proposed a temporary Flood Levy and I favour a permanent Natural Disaster Levy (in response, Abbott has been predictably obstructionist and unhelpful - period)... Either way, in the context of Yasi (and the Black Saturday Bushfires) by their comments in relation to the proposed Flood Levy, I contend that both the Federal LibLabs have been shown to be far too short-sighted in relation to natural disaster contingency planning (and natural disaster insurance regulation) - and especially for reconstruction funding!

I knew you would come back with something along these lines, though didn't think you would be so bold to necessitate a response which states the obvious, of which is as follows...

I think given QLD is a Labor state, and Labor are indeed in power, we can expect a reasonable amount of constructive criticism/concern being directed towards their operation's should the public/media see fit, which it apparently has, particularly on a 'political forum' when it pertains to the states very own premier and her overall management of this  natural disaster at hand, and so long as these concerns are constructive, they are valid.

I couldn't care less who was in, I'd be having a go at Howard or Abbott, if the same thing was happening on their watch.

Comprehendo?

Though, can the same be said for scrutinising Abbott?

What is the point of this?  What will it achieve?  Hmmm!!!

NOTHING!!!

My god, it's like dragging Obama in by the balls and expecting him to face the music, lol...sorry, just no comparison, but I'll give you brownie points for trying.

;)

Hint, if you can demonstrate a relevance to Abbotts political process, and this natural disaster, (something he's either doing, or not doing, that would make a difference)..re- the overall management of this disaster, then goodo, I'm all ears, otherwise, you have to admit, mentioning Abbott was a bit of a duck-egg.

 ;) How about we just blame Michael Jackson instead.

livestream

[Comment From Guest Guest: ]
a freind in townsville just messaged saying 3 houses have already lost roofs there. not sure how's he's gettingn the info..

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 7:33pm:

livestream [Comment From Guest Guest: ] a freind in townsville just messaged saying 3 houses have already lost roofs there. not sure how's he's gettingn the info..

Golly gosh...  :-/

mellie wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 7:28pm:

Hint, if you can demonstrate a relevance to Abbotts political process, and this natural disaster, (something he's either doing, or not doing, that would make a difference)..re- the overall management of this disaster, then goodo, I'm all ears, otherwise, you have to admit, mentioning Abbott was a bit of a duck-egg.  ;) How about we just blame Michael Jackson instead.

If anyone could make a link betwixt Yasi and Michael Jackson, Mellie, then it would be you!

Seriously, tho', this thread was politicised long before I mentioned Abbott - noting that I was far from the first to mention Gillard or Bligh on this thread which is (rightly) NOT in Politician's Suck...

In fact, Mellie, you have been one of the worst offenders in relation to politicising this cyclone - for which you have no reason to be proud nor smug!

That said: I, for one, do not believe that the criticisms of Gillard and Bligh in relation to this cyclone are even remotely warranted...

Let's try to leave this tangent at that!

:-X

for the latest infrared satellite pic

http://www.goes.noaa.gov/sohemi/sohemiloops/shirgmscol.html

SCARY!!!!!!!

Palm Island not evacuated. Channel 7 reported that no evacuation order was given even though it is directly in Y's path  :'(

someone will have blood on their hands.

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 7:50pm:

Palm Island not evacuated. Channel 7 reported that no evacuation order was given even though it is directly in Y's path  :'( someone will have blood on their hands.

Dunno - but this has been reported elsewhere: -

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/palm-island-ready-for-yasi-mayor-says-20110202-1adhr.html


Quote:

Palm Island ready for Yasi, mayor says February 2, 2011 - 6:24PM Residents of Palm Island are bunkered down in homes and four evacuation centres waiting for Cyclone Yasi to strike, the island's mayor says. Alf Lacey said it was misleading of a former mayor to suggest that Palm Island and its population of around 3500 had been neglected. Mr Blackley said Palm Island, which lies off Queensland's coast, north of Townsville, had not been evacuated and accused authorities of ignoring its people. Mr Lacey said while he agreed with former mayor Rob Blackley that the community needed a new, cyclone-rated town hall to use as a central evacuation centre, the mixed messages coming from the island were unnecessary. "We've been planning for these events of many years," Mr Lacey, who is also chairman of the Local Disaster Management Group, said. "We planned before Cyclone Anthony (which crossed into north Queensland on January 30) when it was predicted. "Palm certainly is in safe hands and everything is in order," Mr Lacey told AAP. "Evacuation centres are open if people are not feeling safe at home. "I certainly don't need panic buttons being pushed because it will just turn that situation into a more worser situation than what it is. "Giving those wrong messages out to the wider public is probably not useful when you're trying to unite the community around an event like this." Mr Lacey said the island's homes were adequate to survive the cyclone. "Some may lose roofs, we don't know until it happens," he said. "There's a very strong wind blowing here at the moment, the streets are deserted, so everyone has heeded the advice we've given out." Local council phones are staffed for those unsure of their safety, Mr Lacey said. Some people flew out or left the island by boat, but there was no need for a mass evacuation, he said. A strong presence of Queensland government health and school staff had remained, Mr Lacey said. © 2011 AAP

If Mel and Kochie say it was neglected, then it was neglected.

If Mel and Kochie say the world ends tomorrow, don't bother setting your alarm.

Life_goes_on wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 8:13pm:

If Mel and Kochie say it was neglected, then it was neglected. If Mel and Kochie say the world ends tomorrow, don't bother setting your alarm.

I wouldn't go that far....but don't think they would make flippant statements concerning operational neglect...if there were no sound basis for doing so.

Kochie, never really did get over Rudd having been sacked!

They were mates.

8-)

Palm Island ready for Yasi, mayor says February 2, 2011 - 6:24PM

AAP

Residents of Palm Island are bunkered down in homes and four evacuation centres waiting for Cyclone Yasi to strike, the island's mayor says.

Alf Lacey said it was misleading of a former mayor to suggest that Palm Island and its population of around 3500 had been neglected.

Mr Blackley said Palm Island, which lies off Queensland's coast, north of Townsville, had not been evacuated and accused authorities of ignoring its people.

Mr Lacey said while he agreed with former mayor Rob Blackley that the community needed a new, cyclone-rated town hall to use as a central evacuation centre, the mixed messages coming from the island were unnecessary.

"We've been planning for these events of many years," Mr Lacey, who is also chairman of the Local Disaster Management Group, said.

"We planned before Cyclone Anthony (which crossed into north Queensland on January 30) when it was predicted.

"Palm certainly is in safe hands and everything is in order," Mr Lacey told AAP.

"Evacuation centres are open if people are not feeling safe at home.

"I certainly don't need panic buttons being pushed because it will just turn that situation into a more worser situation than what it is.
"Giving those wrong messages out to the wider public is probably not useful when you're trying to unite the community around an event like this."

Mr Lacey said the island's homes were adequate to survive the cyclone.


http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/palm-island-ready-for-yasi-mayor-says-20110202-1adhr.html

mellie wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 6:41pm:

nichy wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 6:37pm: Equitist wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 6:20pm: Life_goes_on wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 6:08pm: Cyclones f-ck up places a lot worse than floods. True - that would be because they not only bring a lot of flooding water over a short period of time, but they also have savage winds and storm surges have waves powered by those winds... This is a particularly savage cyclone to boot! All this is pointing to the need for a National Disaster Levy - instead of the proposed Flood Levy - wonder how knee-jerk oppositional Abbott will handle this... What do you expect him to do -  go out and stop it ? Give it a rest Eq.  people will lose everything and lives could be lost as well and all you can do is sling off at Abbott.   Perhaps they are waiting for Moses, to quite literally, part the sea? ::) Agreed, pretty silly, why bring Abbott into it, he is afterall in opposition, and they are afterall in a Labor state. And even if he did try to voice his opinion, Labor would only spin it back on him, this and accuse him of political grand-standing 'vulturism' ...during hard times... ::)

why doesn't Abort pray to his imaginary God ?? :D LOL

Equitist wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 7:39pm:

mellie wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 7:28pm: Hint, if you can demonstrate a relevance to Abbotts political process, and this natural disaster, (something he's either doing, or not doing, that would make a difference)..re- the overall management of this disaster, then goodo, I'm all ears, otherwise, you have to admit, mentioning Abbott was a bit of a duck-egg.  ;) How about we just blame Michael Jackson instead. If anyone could make a link betwixt Yasi and Michael Jackson, Mellie, then it would be you! Seriously, tho', this thread was politicised long before I mentioned Abbott - noting that I was far from the first to mention Gillard or Bligh on this thread which is (rightly) NOT in Politician's Suck... In fact, Mellie, you have been one of the worst offenders in relation to politicising this cyclone - for which you have no reason to be proud nor smug! That said: I, for one, do not believe that the criticisms of Gillard and Bligh in relation to this cyclone are even remotely warranted... Let's try to leave this tangent at that! :-X

I have made a concerted effort to abstain from discussing politics on the 'politics sucks' forum, until I am invited back to do so from this sites owner via PM.

Why, because the trolling of my 'handle' and disruption to the highly politicised  forum itself was getting beyond a joke, so honestly, out of courtesy and respect to this sites owner, I opted out.

He was stuck between a rock and a hard place... either he put up with the disruption, (me being there ) or offend those who were here well before me... so, I made the decision for myself.

I may post there again, next election, will see how things go!

This said, I love discussing politics, naturally, don't we all, hence we come here, so I try and get my fix/fill and a word in here and on other less important threads wherever possible sometimes.

Now, lets leave it at that, OK!

You have options, you can Abbott-bash over on 'politicians suck' till your labia rots off,  so with all due respect, don't let me stop you.

You were going off on a tangent here re- Abbott, and a few of us pulled you up ...big whoop.

We have all done this at times,(gone off topic)  this and copped it on the chin, what makes you so special?

You don't appear to respond too well to constructive criticism...LEARN TO!!!

Fact: Abbott has nothing to do with this topic at hand.

Anna Bligh is the states premier, and many believe she's made a mess of the evacuation, left it to the last minute to try and evacuate a number of small islands and a population 10 times the size of f8cking Darwin back in 1974, so come off it, naturally we are going to be critical of her majesty over this.




Look, we all have a right to an opinion, sure, but again, unless you can somehow relate this disaster to Abbott, and the management there of...then sorry, it's a duck egg!

Lets shake on it, and move on shall we?

Cheers.

::)

Equitist wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 4:52pm:

Wow, Yasi is predicted to have more powerful winds and more rainfall than cyclones/hurricanes Larry, Katrina and Tracey - and Yasi dwarfs all but Katrina... http://www.abc.net.au/news/infographics/cyclone-season-2010-2011/cyclone_comparison.jpg http://www.abc.net.au/news/infographics/cyclone-season-2010-2011/cyclone_comparison.jpg

Good post Equitist.
That gives everyone a good idea about how big this is.

Life_goes_on wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 8:13pm:

If Mel and Kochie say it was neglected, then it was neglected. If Mel and Kochie say the world ends tomorrow, don't bother setting your alarm.

I'm on a live blog and that was what was said. I would never watch Kochie by choice, it's painful to be forced to do it.

[Comment From harry harry: ]
i'm in innisfail & fearing for my life- next door neighbours roof just blown off & cars in street have been crushed by trees- water is lapping at my doorstep

Equitist wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 8:06pm:

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 7:50pm: Palm Island not evacuated. Channel 7 reported that no evacuation order was given even though it is directly in Y's path  :'( someone will have blood on their hands. Dunno - but this has been reported elsewhere: - http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/palm-island-ready-for-yasi-mayor-says-20110202-1adhr.html Quote: Palm Island ready for Yasi, mayor says February 2, 2011 - 6:24PM Residents of Palm Island are bunkered down in homes and four evacuation centres waiting for Cyclone Yasi to strike, the island's mayor says. Alf Lacey said it was misleading of a former mayor to suggest that Palm Island and its population of around 3500 had been neglected. Mr Blackley said Palm Island, which lies off Queensland's coast, north of Townsville, had not been evacuated and accused authorities of ignoring its people. Mr Lacey said while he agreed with former mayor Rob Blackley that the community needed a new, cyclone-rated town hall to use as a central evacuation centre, the mixed messages coming from the island were unnecessary. "We've been planning for these events of many years," Mr Lacey, who is also chairman of the Local Disaster Management Group, said. "We planned before Cyclone Anthony (which crossed into north Queensland on January 30) when it was predicted. "Palm certainly is in safe hands and everything is in order," Mr Lacey told AAP. "Evacuation centres are open if people are not feeling safe at home. "I certainly don't need panic buttons being pushed because it will just turn that situation into a more worser situation than what it is. "Giving those wrong messages out to the wider public is probably not useful when you're trying to unite the community around an event like this." Mr Lacey said the island's homes were adequate to survive the cyclone. "Some may lose roofs, we don't know until it happens," he said. "There's a very strong wind blowing here at the moment, the streets are deserted, so everyone has heeded the advice we've given out." Local council phones are staffed for those unsure of their safety, Mr Lacey said. Some people flew out or left the island by boat, but there was no need for a mass evacuation, he said. A strong presence of Queensland government health and school staff had remained, Mr Lacey said. © 2011 AAP

Yes, I saw & heard that interview, he didn't seem confident of a good outcome, as much of the buildings were too low lying.

If the outcome is adverse, there may be a few questions to be asked!

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 8:44pm:

[Comment From harry harry: ] i'm in innisfail & fearing for my life- next door neighbours roof just blown off & cars in street have been crushed by trees- water is lapping at my doorstep

This is truly scary shyte!

It is difficult to imagine how frightening it must be for those many thousands of people now stuck in its path - helpless against these extraordinary forces of nature, with nowhere to escape to...

The best we can do is send out good vibes - and pray to any respective doGs...

;-(

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 8:44pm:

[Comment From harry harry: ] i'm in innisfail & fearing for my life- next door neighbours roof just blown off & cars in street have been crushed by trees- water is lapping at my doorstep

It's amazing that you still have the internet.
Keep us posted.

Equitist wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 7:03pm:

nichy wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 6:37pm: Equitist wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 6:20pm: Life_goes_on wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 6:08pm: Cyclones f-ck up places a lot worse than floods. True - that would be because they not only bring a lot of flooding water over a short period of time, but they also have savage winds and storm surges have waves powered by those winds... This is a particularly savage cyclone to boot! All this is pointing to the need for a National Disaster Levy - instead of the proposed Flood Levy - wonder how knee-jerk oppositional Abbott will handle this... What do you expect him to do -  go out and stop it ? Give it a rest Eq.  people will lose everything and lives could be lost as well and all you can do is sling off at Abbott.   Actually, Nichy, I think you will find that much of this thread has been devoted to the remarkably-unfounded slagging of Gillard and Bligh - over things that they purportedly have or have not done in relation to the cyclone... You will note, from my abovementioned comment, that I do not support the current proposals of either Gillard or Abbott - Gillard has proposed a temporary Flood Levy and I favour a permanent Natural Disaster Levy (in response, Abbott has been predictably obstructionist and unhelpful - period)... Either way, in the context of Yasi (and the Black Saturday Bushfires) by their comments in relation to the proposed Flood Levy, I contend that both the Federal LibLabs have been shown to be far too short-sighted in relation to natural disaster contingency planning (and natural disaster insurance regulation) - and especially for reconstruction funding!

hey nem how do you feel about Bandt favouring Abbott rather than Judas... yes the green are not happy jan..so will gillard backflip... AGAIN...will she bend to please the greens???.. of course she will...who ever thought otherwise...ha,ha,ha,

Equitist wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 7:39pm:

mellie wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 7:28pm: Hint, if you can demonstrate a relevance to Abbotts political process, and this natural disaster, (something he's either doing, or not doing, that would make a difference)..re- the overall management of this disaster, then goodo, I'm all ears, otherwise, you have to admit, mentioning Abbott was a bit of a duck-egg.  ;) How about we just blame Michael Jackson instead. If anyone could make a link betwixt Yasi and Michael Jackson, Mellie, then it would be you! Seriously, tho', this thread was politicised long before I mentioned Abbott - noting that I was far from the first to mention Gillard or Bligh on this thread which is (rightly) NOT in Politician's Suck... In fact, Mellie, you have been one of the worst offenders in relation to politicising this cyclone - for which you have no reason to be proud nor smug! That said: I, for one, do not believe that the criticisms of Gillard and Bligh in relation to this cyclone are even remotely warranted... Let's try to leave this tangent at that! :-X

nem whos criticised Bligh I havent seen one person do that.. gillard well thats another thing.

mind you gillard does have a lot on her plate right now Egypt isnt helping.. a few complaints coming in from that direction..we might becoming a nation of whingers.. spolit whingers at that

Bobby. wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 9:18pm:

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 8:44pm: [Comment From harry harry: ] i'm in innisfail & fearing for my life- next door neighbours roof just blown off & cars in street have been crushed by trees- water is lapping at my doorstep It's amazing that you still have the internet. Keep us posted.

I'm not in the cyclone bobby, I'm on a live blog with people who are in the thick of it. It is starting to get nasty around Innisfail, there is actually some news guys driving around with a webcam .....idiots

Equitist wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 9:04pm:

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 8:44pm: [Comment From harry harry: ] i'm in innisfail & fearing for my life- next door neighbours roof just blown off & cars in street have been crushed by trees- water is lapping at my doorstep This is truly scary shyte! It is difficult to imagine how frightening it must be for those many thousands of people now stuck in its path - helpless against these extraordinary forces of nature, with nowhere to escape to... The best we can do is send out good vibes - and pray to any respective doGs... ;-(

that said......I hope all dogs and cats are safely inside with their human mums and dads.

cods wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 9:33pm:

Equitist wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 7:39pm: mellie wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 7:28pm: Hint, if you can demonstrate a relevance to Abbotts political process, and this natural disaster, (something he's either doing, or not doing, that would make a difference)..re- the overall management of this disaster, then goodo, I'm all ears, otherwise, you have to admit, mentioning Abbott was a bit of a duck-egg.  ;) How about we just blame Michael Jackson instead. If anyone could make a link betwixt Yasi and Michael Jackson, Mellie, then it would be you! Seriously, tho', this thread was politicised long before I mentioned Abbott - noting that I was far from the first to mention Gillard or Bligh on this thread which is (rightly) NOT in Politician's Suck... In fact, Mellie, you have been one of the worst offenders in relation to politicising this cyclone - for which you have no reason to be proud nor smug! That said: I, for one, do not believe that the criticisms of Gillard and Bligh in relation to this cyclone are even remotely warranted... Let's try to leave this tangent at that! :-X nem whos criticised Bligh I havent seen one person do that.. gillard well thats another thing. mind you gillard does have a lot on her plate right now Egypt isnt helping.. a few complaints coming in from that direction..we might becoming a nation of whingers.. spolit whingers at that

I did cods, and I always will because she sold Qld from under our feet and now our grandkids will have nothing, she sold us out. She snuck the LNG operation at Gladstone through in the thick of the floods, when all eyes were turned elsewhere. I wonder what unpopular business proposal will get the ok in the midst of the cyclone?

cods wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2011 at 9:33pm:

Equitist wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 7:39pm: mellie wrote on Feb 2nd, 2011 at 7:28pm: Hint, if you can demonstrate a relevance to Abbotts political process, and this natural disaster, (something he's either doing, or not doing, that would make a difference)..re- the overall management of this disaster, then goodo, I'm all ears, otherwise, you have to admit, mentioning Abbott was a bit of a duck-egg.  ;) How about we just blame Michael Jackson instead. If anyone could make a link betwixt Yasi and Michael Jackson, Mellie, then it would be you! Seriously, tho', this thread was politicised long before I mentioned Abbott - noting that I was far from the first to mention Gillard or Bligh on this thread which is (rightly) NOT in Politician's Suck... In fact, Mellie, you have been one of the worst offenders in relation to politicising this cyclone - for which you have no reason to be proud nor smug! That said: I, for one, do not believe that the criticisms of Gillard and Bligh in relation to this cyclone are even remotely warranted... Let's try to leave this tangent at that! :-X nem whos criticised Bligh I havent seen one person do that.. gillard well thats another thing. mind you gillard does have a lot on her plate right now Egypt isnt helping.. a few complaints coming in from that direction..we might becoming a nation of whingers.. spolit whingers at that

More like a nation of oppressed drones, being drip fed and dictated to by an autocratic 'pro-communism' wanna-be plutocracy ...even our opposing media corps are 'gelling'..amalgamating, the contrast between the two becoming harder to differentiate by the week. Hence mudpack! (Murdoch/Packer).

Anyway, enough off that, now I'm going off on a bloody tangent,... we are only two or so hours away from the full velocity of this catastrophe, ..and  what a shocker it is.

I don't pray, (being agnostic), but if I did, it would be for these poor buggers especially those who felt they had no choice but to batten down the hatches and wait it out at home.

People in Hinchenbrook are calling authorities to rescue them, unfortunately, authorities have advised this is not possible at this late stage.

:-/

And likewise Cods, I however playfully, and with a sinister edge also criticised Bligh earlier on in this thread too, and for good reason.

There are going to be so many elderly people, or those who live alone who refused shelter,(or waited for the military to force their evacuation, that never came)  due to wanting to stay with their animal companions, it really is devastating stuff.

________________

My connection keeps dropping in and out, so excuse my belated responses guys if they aren't topic appropriate, or in sinc with the threads more recent flow of discussion.

Already there are reports coming from the public advising they didn't receive adequate warning... whereby they were told to be ready to evacuate, though never received their 'final call'.

Due to the evacuation centres being so congested, many people stayed home and waited for more evacuation centre locations to be announced, this or waited for buses they believed were being dispatched to come fetch them when it was "time".... but they never came according to some reports, validity yet to be confirmed, ...

What happened to the planned "forced evacuations"? ::)



Blighs defence to this is...well, people have known it was coming for days... but to this I say, they were also turned away from shelters when they tried to escape earlier.

So if our government/emergency services weren't ready, how the hell can they expect the public to be more so?

So long as our tourists/back-packers and non-indigenous are out of harms way, I guess this is all that matters?



The disadvantaged, poor, and or otherwise compromised will be what forms best part of our casualties.

Like always.

:-/ Good to see Blighs enjoying exclusive coverage, she's very personable isn't she, well almost if you had not a clue as to what she's inconspicuously done to this state during her premiership.

Remember, recent 'natural' adversities don't/wont make up for her entire premiership of stuff-up's re- her having sold QLD out well before devastation struck.

From the live-comment Courier Mail link Pansi provided earlier on this thread the last comment is as follows ....


Quote:

Another Eumundi Grandmother of Eumundi, 4562 Posted at 10:07 PM Today I often find reading the comments most interesting but: how come the accolades for Premier Bligh's management totally conflict with my tonight's three regional TV stations reports that their major news item is "People are being refused entry to the Evacuation Centers because they are full". Maybe Brisbane does not understand FNQ ???

FNQ= Far North Queensland btw.

It's not going to hit Cairns full throttle, it's changed course.

Where the bloody hell is it?

Cairns looks like it's quite calm, compared to other areas.....and only 15 mins away...Cairns should be well and truly feeling it by now if it was still on course.


Odd!

::)

It's crossing now, Mission beech apparently.... :o

Cairns doesn't look too windy... hmmm

Why aren't chan 7 covering anything but Cairns?

:o

Read this...

http://twitter.com/Syndicatr

and..

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/02/03/3128469.htm

Palm Islanders left to fend for themselves...

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/palm-islanders-left-to-fend-for-themselves-says-former-mayor/story-e6freoof-1225999092164


Quote:

THE Aboriginal community of Palm Island was not evacuated before the arrival of Cyclone Yasi, despite people at neighbouring islands leaving days earlier. Former mayor and community leader Robert Blackley said while resorts on Orpheus and Dunk islands had self-evacuated efficiently, the Government had left the Palm Island residents to fend for themselves. "When offshore islands started to be evacuated we all went, 'Well, we're an island offshore, what about us?','' he said. "We thought maybe the army would fly some planes in and evacuate women and children at least, but that didn't happen.'' Mr Blackley said evacuation facilities on the island itself were inadequate, with three of the four centres within range of the storm surge due to poor planning. Despite this, he said the Government sent no boats or planes to evacuate residents, and while other communities in the area had been getting community announcements and visits from authorities, Palm Island had been ignored. "To tell you the truth I never saw a single community advert. I saw nothing, there was no flyer, no doorknock, no SES guy, no police officer,'' Mr Blackley said. "I guess we just missed the boat, figuratively and literally on this occasion.'' He said the local ferry company had sent one ferry with a capacity of 250 passengers to help evacuate the community of about 3500. But Mr Blackley said only around 70 people took the opportunity to leave to the mainland. "Not many people got on it, I think mainly because they don't have the monetary resources to go to Townsville and look after themselves,'' he said. But Palm Island's current Mayor Alf Lacey said it was misleading and unhelpful of Mr Blackley to suggest that Palm Island had been neglected. "Giving those wrong messages out to the wider public is probably not useful when you're trying to unite the community around an event like this,'' he said, adding that the community had been preparing for Cyclone Yasi since before Cyclone Anthony struck the coast on January 30, and was well prepared.

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland-facing-a-deadly-event-with-cyclone-yasi-anna-bligh/story-e6freon6-1225997904763

Anna is a bare faced bligher!!


http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDR192.loop.shtml

Quote:

Bad news just in. The evac centre in Innisfail has lost it's roof. Has 500 ppl inside. No injuries to date but worst still to come

http://twitter.com/NeilMcMahon

Apparently right now people in Mission Beach can now see the stars through the eye.

..... something amusing on a blog,
Quote:

Maybe we can destroy Cyclone Yasi using Julie Bishop's 'death stare.' It worked on that asteroid in Armageddon!

Ps...

Anna Bligh why were tourists evacuated off holiday islands though palm islands residents were believed to have been left to fend for themselves?

Jeeze, chan 7 are a bit behind the times, they are reporting live events I have already read on twitter 30 odd minutes ago.lol... hope they are enjoying the breeze in Cairns...lol

Compared to where the cyclone actually hit!

Sorry Mel... do you guys have a kite handy?

::)

It's official... Innisfail & Cardwell copped it the worst- Mission Beach being  at the epicentre!

No word on the non-evacuated palm Island yet!

It's believed  Councilor Hal Walsh's Facebook page has been the only source of information regarding Palm Island to date.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/in-depth/cyclone-yasi/i-dont-like-our-chances-says-former-palm-island-mayor/story-fn7rj0ye-1225999059972

Former Mayor also said Palm Islands indigenous community was left to fend for itself.


Palm Island has been declared a national disaster zone.

Lets discuss Palm Island Anna Bligh.

8-)

3 mins ago...

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/australia/news/article.cfm?l_id=15&objectid=10703792

What Bob Katter had to say....

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/02/03/3128477.htm

http://www.crikey.com.au/2011/02/02/palm-island-ex-mayor-queensland-has-abandoned-us/

Why oh why Anna Bligh?

What about Palm Island?

A little bit on Palm Island , Anna Bligh and our 'shy' media would rather we didn't talk about, given they chose not to evacuate them, left them to fend for themselves according to their former Mayor and numerous health care workers who are absolutely disgusted with Anna Blighs neglect of their 3000 strong 'Traditional Australian' community.


Quote:

Palm Island is an Aboriginal community located on Great Palm Island, also called by the Aboriginal name "Bwgcolman", an island on the Great Barrier Reef in North Queensland, Australia. The settlement is also known by a variety of other names including "the Mission", Palm Island Settlement or Palm Community. Palm Island is often termed a classic "tropical paradise" given its natural endowments, but it has had a troubled history since the European settlement of Australia.For much of the twentieth century it was used by the Queensland Government as a settlement for Aboriginals considered guilty of such infractions as being "disruptive", being pregnant to a white man or being born with "mixed blood".

-Wiki


Quote:

Of significant sociological concern is a lack of jobs and housing. Since its creation as an Aboriginal reserve, Palm Island has been considered synonymous with Indigenous disadvantage and violence. At the same time it has been at the forefront of political activism which has sought to improve the conditions and treatment of Australia's Indigenous peoples as well as redress injustices visited on them broadly as a race and on Palm Island specifically.

-Wiki

Police patrol Palm Island regularly.

http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2004/12/03/palmwindow_wideweb__430x337.jpg

Read the following...

http://www.crikey.com.au/2011/02/02/palm-island-ex-mayor-queensland-has-abandoned-us/

What happened to closing the gap?

Ok, is it just me, or is anyone else here feeling as though a Killer-cyclone Cat 5 Yasi, was a bit of a media storm in a teacup?

No reports of deaths, or even injuries, just superficial bad-storm damage, ....where's the mass-devastation, where's the super-storm annihilation?

Now they are telling us we may never know the 'true' force of cyclone Yasi, due to broken equipment?

Gimmy a break!

::)

With Cyclone Katrinas death toll having stood at 1836 which included the total number of direct and indirect deaths...(quite a few elderly people had heart attacks too)...  you mean to tell me, noone has reported a single injury during this Cat 5 cyclone yet?

Sounds like a Cat 3.5, 4 at most....for best part of QLD anyway...great news, but do we feel a bit had?

It is afterall rating season, and chan 7 never fail to disappoint with some sort of 'disaster'... ;)

The only ones (potential cyclone victims) yet to be accounted for are those who live on Palm Island.

Our media are really sucking the life out of this...  get this, people enduring the full velocity were able to surf the web last night, though ironically, weren't able to upload any clips onto Youtube.

Have any of you seen the live footage from Cyclone Tracy?

Ok, houses are built to withstand cyclones better these days, but trees aren't.

I have been watching Tracy footage, and have to say... it's rather interesting.


::)

Looks like Chan 7 are frantically driving around looking for Dorothy and Toto, a devastated garden perhaps?



Ok, it's early hours,(I realise this)... but I think it's time Mel and Kochie turned the studio fans off don't you?

;D

mellie wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2011 at 5:29am:

Ok, is it just me, or is anyone else here feeling as though a Killer-cyclone Cat 5 Yasi, was a bit of a media storm in a teacup? No reports of deaths, or even injuries, just superficial bad-storm damage, ....where's the mass-devastation, where's the super-storm annihilation?

We ALL feel for you, in your moment of severe disappointmenti

Residents of Palm Island are bunkered down in homes and four evacuation centres waiting for Cyclone Yasi to strike, the island's mayor says.

Alf Lacey said it was misleading of a former mayor to suggest that Palm Island and its population of around 3500 had been neglected.

Mr Blackley said Palm Island, which lies off Queensland's coast, north of Townsville, had not been evacuated and accused authorities of ignoring its people.

Mr Lacey said while he agreed with former mayor Rob Blackley that the community needed a new, cyclone-rated town hall to use as a central evacuation centre, the mixed messages coming from the island were unnecessary.

"We've been planning for these events of many years," Mr Lacey, who is also chairman of the Local Disaster Management Group, said.

"We planned before Cyclone Anthony (which crossed into north Queensland on January 30) when it was predicted.

"Palm certainly is in safe hands and everything is in order," Mr Lacey told AAP.

"Evacuation centres are open if people are not feeling safe at home.

"I certainly don't need panic buttons being pushed because it will just turn that situation into a more worser situation than what it is.

"Giving those wrong messages out to the wider public is probably not useful when you're trying to unite the community around an event like this."

Mr Lacey said the island's homes were adequate to survive the cyclone.

"Some may lose roofs, we don't know until it happens," he said.

"There's a very strong wind blowing here at the moment, the streets are deserted, so everyone has heeded the advice we've given out."

Local council phones are staffed for those unsure of their safety, Mr Lacey said.

Some people flew out or left the island by boat, but there was no need for a mass evacuation, he said.

A strong presence of Queensland government health and school staff had remained, Mr Lacey said.


http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/palm-island-ready-for-yasi-mayor-says-20110202-1adhr.html

buzzanddidj wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2011 at 6:01am:

mellie wrote on Feb 3rd, 2011 at 5:29am: Ok, is it just me, or is anyone else here feeling as though a Killer-cyclone Cat 5 Yasi, was a bit of a media storm in a teacup? No reports of deaths, or even injuries, just superficial bad-storm damage, ....where's the mass-devastation, where's the super-storm annihilation? We ALL feel for you, in your moment of severe disappointment We should be able to sue for false advertising.

Get ready everyone....wait for the big food price hike, (they probably jumped in tractors and mowed down their own banana plantations) ;D.....and hurry everyone, start donating AGAIN, to not the flood appeal, but the new improved  'YASI ground zero' to save Blighs neck appeal,  ... ::)


The streets are as clean as a whistle, a few branches here and there, though after cyclone Tracy hit, cars were lifted and thrown way down the street and into the ocean, yet during this mini-gust, we had families actually taking refuge in their light plastic modern cars?

Ha ha ha ;D

Now we know why they weren't too worried about evacuating Palm Island....this being a televised mainland 'charity' production after all.

 ;D Palm Islanders wouldn't be inclined to donate much, so what would be the point of appealing to them?



Quote:

Tracy killed 71 people, caused $837 million in damage (1974 AUD) and destroyed more than 70 percent of Darwin's buildings, including 80 percent of houses.Tracy left more than 41,000 out of the 47,000 inhabitants of the city homeless prior to landfall and required the evacuation of over 30,000 people. Most of Darwin's population was evacuated to Adelaide, Whyalla, Alice Springs and Sydney, and many never returned to the city. After the storm passed, the city was rebuilt using more modern materials and updated building techniques. Bruce Stannard of The Age stated that Cyclone Tracy was a "disaster of the first magnitude ... without parallel in Australia's history."

Cyclone Tracy 1974

http://www.ga.gov.au/image_cache/GA9682.jpg

Uprooted trees?

I just saw footage on chan 7 of a spindly little palm tree laying on the foot path.
;D
__________________

Oh, hang on, this is the part where they now take credit for no lives having been lost in the face of an EXTINCTION LEVEL EVENT!!

My street looked worse after a nasty hail storm we had a couple of months ago, of which I slept through.

Ground zero, eat your heart out..

Oh look, the channel 7 car just found a telegraph poll with a slight lean.... ;D

They are embarrassing themselves now, time to close the curtain.

They are interviewing a resident,(victim of disaster)... and she just advised she fell asleep through it....

;D

Amadd wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2011 at 6:15am:

buzzanddidj wrote on Feb 3rd, 2011 at 6:01am: mellie wrote on Feb 3rd, 2011 at 5:29am: Ok, is it just me, or is anyone else here feeling as though a Killer-cyclone Cat 5 Yasi, was a bit of a media storm in a teacup? No reports of deaths, or even injuries, just superficial bad-storm damage, ....where's the mass-devastation, where's the super-storm annihilation? We ALL feel for you, in your moment of severe disappointment We should be able to sue for false advertising.

I knew you would understand Amadd.... ;)

Stuff Gillard, and her "Australia's biggest ever cyclone'.....  see,  Rudds a QLD man, had he been in power, he wouldn't have embarrassed himself like this...lol


But I'm sure he would have cried instead.

http://www.timskelton.com/postpics/drama_oh.jpg

The little girl who cried wolf.

8-)

mellie wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2011 at 6:18am:

Amadd wrote on Feb 3rd, 2011 at 6:15am: buzzanddidj wrote on Feb 3rd, 2011 at 6:01am: mellie wrote on Feb 3rd, 2011 at 5:29am: Ok, is it just me, or is anyone else here feeling as though a Killer-cyclone Cat 5 Yasi, was a bit of a media storm in a teacup? No reports of deaths, or even injuries, just superficial bad-storm damage, ....where's the mass-devastation, where's the super-storm annihilation? We ALL feel for you, in your moment of severe disappointment We should be able to sue for false advertising. I knew you would understand Amadd.... ;)

xxxxxxxxxx


mellie its time to calm down.. we had a scary storm in Canberra last night I got a good size pool of water inside to clean up... and it would have been nothing like what they would have experianced..the rain is one thing... but that wind is something else.. unless you have lived it we shouldnt have these opinions.. on what force was involved..we werent there

Innisfail has been hit badly again by the sound of things.. they must have a bit of a wind tunnel effect there..my friends in Townsville are okay and thats to be very much thankful for..

I would rather govt erred on the side of safety than the other way around..perhaps if they hadnt moved so many there would have been deaths and injury.. have you thought of that?..

give credit where its due I say and if everyone has come out of this alive.. thank god and the govt..we have to work together through this mellie..you know it could be your turn next, mother nature is very fickle.

Ok, I just spoke to a friend, a Raffie...he was watching the radar equipment at the RAAF base last night, all night, (I should have bloody called him then)  and advised the following....

Apparently, it was a Cat 5, but a very wide spread (not dense) system which downgraded very quickly as soon as it hit the coast.

He described these cells within the cyclone itself, (he called them bullets)..whereby  small tiny cyclones form inside a larger cyclone itself, so you get sporadic small pockets of damage in some places, not MASS (cyclone Tracy type) concentrated mass destruction.  

He then humoured it a little, and said it was good practice for the boys anyway, because they had to set up portable hospitals at Townsville and Darwin yesterday, (they are still up there )  and whilst he has them on standby as a precaution, they knew the whole time it was not going to be another Tracy.



He said there's quite a bit of vegetation damage, but we all knew this anyway, and advised they aren't planning on sending anymore boys up yet,  to assist with cleaning up, not at this stage anyway, but said this could change.



:) So...the media well and truly sensationalised it, as did Gillard and Bligh...  perhaps for the better, because like he said, you cant pin-point where these 'bullets' hit, but to say it was going to be catastrophic, bigger than Tracy even, the biggest cyclone we have ever had was a bit of a gag.

A beat up!

Better to be safe than sorry, and yes, I am glad it didn't hit too hard (Like they warned)...am just a bit annoyed that I stayed up and worried about them for nothing most of the night.

::)

Cods, I'm calm... too calm damn it...*grumbles*

;)

I had no idea little cyclones inside of wispy larger (non-dense) cyclones existed before I spoke to him today... fascinating!

You learn something every day.

Great for the media, because on radar, they look catastrophic, unless you know what you are looking at, because they are so wide spread.

Think of it as a wispy marshmallow whirly swirly storm cell with lots of little compact mini-cyclones travelling inside it.

Excuse my infantile speak, but I'm not as clever as he with this sort of thing.

Perhaps the name was originally Yatzi, (not Yasi) because like the dice game, you just dont know which way the dice will roll.... or where they will land... lol

(No, he didn't say this, I made the Yatzy bit up myself...it's how I imagined it when he described it to me).



:)

The media are looking, looking, looking for some drama, seems like there's not much to be had. So it's time to move onto the farmers, cane farmers had their crops ruined, so what's new, every season is a bad one, too dry, too wet, too windy, lower sugar content.....ho hum Then we move onto the banana farmers, it'll take a year to recover from this yada yada banana's $9.99 a kilo for a couple of weeks, no buyers? ok we'll sell them off for $1.99 a kilo.....now we did have some drama that is filling the spaces....baby born what a miracle. Why don't they admit that there's no news (bloody good thing too) and move on?

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2011 at 7:52am:

The media are looking, looking, looking for some drama, seems like there's not much to be had. So it's time to move onto the farmers, cane farmers had their crops ruined, so what's new, every season is a bad one, too dry, too wet, too windy, lower sugar content.....ho hum Then we move onto the banana farmers, it'll take a year to recover from this yada yada banana's $9.99 a kilo for a couple of weeks, no buyers? ok we'll sell them off for $1.99 a kilo.....now we did have some drama that is filling the spaces....baby born what a miracle. Why don't they admit that there's no news (bloody good thing too) and move on?

Yup, same old hum-drum... I stayed up half the night for nothing....lol

But again, I am really glad they are ok.. I was particularly worried about  those on Palm Island, because their ex-Mayor (a bit of a nutter by the sounds of it) had strapped himself to his two-story house's stairwell.....  hmmm in readiness for this CATASTROPHIC cyclone.

Admittedly, this made me just a wee bit nervous. ;D

It's hilarious, chan 7 keep showing different angles of the same ram-sacked house....lol (like we cant tell it's the same house)

;D They must be feeling deeply disappointed!

I'll bet Gillards having a good old laugh at us all.


::) Biatch!

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2011 at 7:52am:

The media are looking, looking, looking for some drama, seems like there's not much to be had. So it's time to move onto the farmers, cane farmers had their crops ruined, so what's new, every season is a bad one, too dry, too wet, too windy, lower sugar content.....ho hum Then we move onto the banana farmers, it'll take a year to recover from this yada yada banana's $9.99 a kilo for a couple of weeks, no buyers? ok we'll sell them off for $1.99 a kilo.....now we did have some drama that is filling the spaces....baby born what a miracle. Why don't they admit that there's no news (bloody good thing too) and move on?

Dusgusting sensationalism on the ABC News Channel.  Completely useless as a source of information.  Yesterday, they displayed constant text advertisements for Premier Anna Bligh, running across the bottom of the tv screen.

mavisdavis wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2011 at 8:03am:

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Feb 3rd, 2011 at 7:52am: The media are looking, looking, looking for some drama, seems like there's not much to be had. So it's time to move onto the farmers, cane farmers had their crops ruined, so what's new, every season is a bad one, too dry, too wet, too windy, lower sugar content.....ho hum Then we move onto the banana farmers, it'll take a year to recover from this yada yada banana's $9.99 a kilo for a couple of weeks, no buyers? ok we'll sell them off for $1.99 a kilo.....now we did have some drama that is filling the spaces....baby born what a miracle. Why don't they admit that there's no news (bloody good thing too) and move on? Dusgusting sensationalism on the ABC News Channel.  Completely useless as a source of information.  Yesterday, they displayed constant text advertisements for Premier Anna Bligh, running across the bottom of the tv screen.

Now, when another 'said' category 5 comes in, one like Tracy, noone will bother panicking.

Very mean, I was so looking forward to ...

;) I think I may have been a storm chaser in a past life.

Year after year I would visit my father who lives on the Sunshine coast QLD....really hoping I would get to see one.

My father was a shocker, he used to egg me on, would say "Yep, it's definitely going to hit this year, we are about due for one"....the bastard.

Note: Maroochydoor is too far south for cyclones.

;D

We must bare in mind that people lost roofs and there will be a fair bit of structural damage to houses, but they will be covered by insurance, or should be. Poor Anna Bligh will be crying in her porridge this morning, no added excuse for her disaster tax. No Anna we are not donating to your wardrobe fund, although wearing that hard hat hasn't done much for your hair....nah maybe it just needs a good shampoo....if you can drag yourself away from the tv cameras.

mavisdavis wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2011 at 8:03am:

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Feb 3rd, 2011 at 7:52am: The media are looking, looking, looking for some drama, seems like there's not much to be had. So it's time to move onto the farmers, cane farmers had their crops ruined, so what's new, every season is a bad one, too dry, too wet, too windy, lower sugar content.....ho hum Then we move onto the banana farmers, it'll take a year to recover from this yada yada banana's $9.99 a kilo for a couple of weeks, no buyers? ok we'll sell them off for $1.99 a kilo.....now we did have some drama that is filling the spaces....baby born what a miracle. Why don't they admit that there's no news (bloody good thing too) and move on? Dusgusting sensationalism on the ABC News Channel.  Completely useless as a source of information.  Yesterday, they displayed constant text advertisements for Premier Anna Bligh, running across the bottom of the tv screen.

Oh yeah, Ms Dreary...the ABC 'advertised' Bligh - in much the same way that they've advertised emergency and donations hotlines and internet sites - not to mention the antics of: protestors and dictators in the ME, Africa and Asis and rescuers and citizens in Oz, NZ, Chile, Brazil, etc.

FFS, get over yourselves!

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2011 at 8:25am:

We must bare in mind that people lost roofs and there will be a fair bit of structural damage to houses, but they will be covered by insurance, or should be. Poor Anna Bligh will be crying in her porridge this morning, no added excuse for her disaster tax. No Anna we are not donating to your wardrobe fund, although wearing that hard hat hasn't done much for your hair....nah maybe it just needs a good shampoo....if you can drag yourself away from the tv cameras.

Spot on!!

.... This is exactly what's it's all about... the flood appeal had lost it's 'appeal' you see.

;D Boo cry sigh, poor Anna Bligh.

:'(

People just arrived home from the evacuation centre to find channel 7 ripping their roof off lol

Mellie and Pansi - what in the hell did you want to see,  people dead, homes and business reduced to matchsticks ?   You are a pair of sicko's.

South of Cairns sugar and banana plantations have been wiped out,  "oh damn prices will go up" you say  -  What about the poor banana and sugar farmers whose livelihoods has been wiped out ?  many for the second time in six years.  As yet we don't know how many people have had extensive damage to their homes.  

I know I have thanked the Lord for the fact that the damage has not been as devastating as predicted.

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2011 at 8:34am:

People just arrived home from the evacuation centre to find channel 7 ripping their roof off lol

;D :D ;D :D ;D

I just read your message, when Mel Doyle came across on TV, fluffing her hotel room pillows...Classic!!! ;D

nichy wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2011 at 8:36am:

Mellie and Pansi - what in the hell did you want to see,  people dead, homes and business reduced to matchsticks ?   You are a pair of sicko's. South of Cairns sugar and banana plantations have been wiped out,  "oh damn prices will go up" you say  -  What about the poor banana and sugar farmers whose livelihoods has been wiped out ?  many for the second time in six years.  As yet we don't know how many people have had extensive damage to their homes.   I know I have thanked the Lord for the fact that the damage has not been as devastating as predicted.

Quote:

Mellie and Pansi - what in the hell did you want to see

The truth would have been nice, I don't think anyone likes to be made a fool of, this or feel compelled to worry about a potential extinction level catastrophe in the name of ratings and political opportunism.

It's unsettling, insults our intelligence.

I was really worried about those people on Palm Island, and this government has made fools of us all.

::) AGAIN!!!

Even the RAAF are laughing at us , (it was more or less a training exercise for them).....I felt so stupid when I called my friend anxious this morning, he was amused that I had actually concerned myself over a fluffy marshmallow full of tic-tacs...and enough so that I stayed up half the night worrying for nothing.

Ok, better to be safe than sorry, I agree,  but there was no need to beat it up that much..jeeeze!

And what's more insulting, they are still at it...check Sunrise out on chan 7!!!


Unbelievable!

;D

I'll be in the U.S for the next three weeks (waiting for plane in Sydney airport right now) so I hope I'll be able to keep up with the news about the hurricane over there since I won't have internet access much. Everybody in NQLD stay safe.

nichy wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2011 at 8:36am:

Mellie and Pansi - what in the hell did you want to see,  people dead, homes and business reduced to matchsticks ?   You are a pair of sicko's. South of Cairns sugar and banana plantations have been wiped out,  "oh damn prices will go up" you say  -  What about the poor banana and sugar farmers whose livelihoods has been wiped out ?  many for the second time in six years.  As yet we don't know how many people have had extensive damage to their homes.   I know I have thanked the Lord for the fact that the damage has not been as devastating as predicted.

I said there was NO STORY which is a good thing. I'm laughing at the stupid media trying to make a story out of nothing.

JC Denton wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2011 at 8:42am:

I'll be in the U.S for the next three weeks (waiting for plane in Sydney airport right now) so I hope I'll be able to keep up with the news about the hurricane over there since I won't have internet access much. Everybody in NQLD stay safe.

Did your visa get cancelled again?

Or has FD levitated you to a senior forum position off-shore we aren't privy to?

8-)