by Mat Churchill


As Cyclone Yasi approached the east coast of Australia on Tuesday, Port Douglas was in the firing line with reports that our small community would bear the brunt of the massive storm front.

Locals took immediate action to prepare for the worst, collecting personal items, packing what they could, and making arrangements to evacuate to safer dwellings.

The Meridien Marina emptied as boats headed up Dixon's Inlet, and people opened their doors to family, friends, and strangers who were in need of accommodation to wait out the impending category five storm.

As the countdown ticked down to the predicted time that Yasi would make landfall (at around 11pm Wednesday night), there was a nervous anticipation and anxiousness building with every gust of wind.

But as the hours passed, and the wind reached its crescendo well below the speed expected, the town's residents breathed a collective sigh of relief.

While some trees had fallen and the roads were littered with debris, the predicted storm surge which threatened to flood many low-lying homes had failed to materialise. Homes remained intact and there was limited damage to property.

So it's back to work. The clean up of any minor damage has commenced, boats are returning to the marina and will begin operating again in a day or so. Businesses are up and running, and thanks to a great deal of luck, Port Douglas continues relatively unaffected.

It is important to note the great deal of cooperation and generosity within the town to help others prepare and weather the storm. Regardless of the extent of Yasi's ferocity in our area, there are many people who deserve a big thank you.

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