Cyclone Debbie, a category four storm, slammed into the coast of Queensland state between Bowen and Airlie Beach on Tuesday afternoon, packing destructive winds and devastating some of the region’s tourist hotspots.
Updated: March 29, 2017, 12:00 AM
Aftermath of Cyclone Debbie - in pictures
Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull inspecting the relief effort at the Crisis Coordination Centre in the capital of Canberra after Cyclone Debbie tore through Queensland’s far north coast. Mick Tsikas/EPA
Roofs missing from buildings on Hamilton Island on March 29, 2017 after the area was hit by Cyclone Debbie. Jon Clements/AFP
Some areas have been drenched in “a phenomenal” 1,000 millimetres of rain in just 48 hours – the equivalent of half a year’s worth, according to the weather bureau. Jon Clement/AFP
Locals inspecting the damage to the marina at Shute Harbour near Airlie Beach, Queensland. Emergency crews also began assessing the damage but blocked roads and flash flooding hampered effort. Dan Paled/EPA
A boat smashed against the bank at Shute Harbour, Airlie Beach. Dan Peled/ AAP image via Reuters
Dave Mcinnerney inspecting the damage to his motel at Shute Harbour near Airlie Beach. Tens of thousands of people moved to higher ground or cyclone shelters or left the region before Cyclone Debbie made landfall. Dan Paled/EPA
Flood waters submerging part of a highway near the Bowen area in Queensland that was hit by the powerful storm. Handout from Queensland Police Service via AFP Photo
Cyclone Debbie, which slammed into the coast of Queensland state on Tuesday with winds up to 260kph, weakened quickly as it moved inland and was downgraded to a tropical low by the next morning. Dan Peled/AAP image via AP
Emergency relief supplies and equipment for those affected by Cyclone Debbie are loaded onto the Royal Australian Navy Ship HMAS Choules at the Port of Brisbane in Australia, March 29, 2017. AAP/Dave Hunt/via Reuters