Cyclone Larry hits Australia
2006-03-21 by noiv | Filed under Hazards.THE biggest disaster relief operation in 30 years is under way in north Queensland as the army moves in to help an estimated 1000 people left homeless by Cyclone Larry.
More than 400 army personnel and 1000 SES volunteers and staff have converged on the stricken town of Innisfail as officials estimate the damage bill will top $1.5 billion.
Emergency bedding and the first of an expected 50,000 meals and 7000 litres of fresh water are being sent into the stricken areas.
Prime Minister John Howard will today tour the sugar and banana town which was devastated when Cyclone Larry crossed the coast on Monday morning with winds up to 290km/h.
