The Day After - Devastation
Major reception centres were set up at Katherine, Tennant Creek, and Alice Springs. At Adelaide River the small local population achieved the immense task of providing a hot meal for every person who stopped there on their way out of Darwin.
Beyond the Territory, even before news of the disaster was broadcast, radio and television programs were interrupted with announcements recalling armed services personnel from leave. This led to widespread concern that a war had broken out, and the concern was not allayed for several hours.
At each major airport refugees were greeted by Salvation Army and Red Cross workers. Clothing depots were improvised inside the airports, so that those who had flown out in pyjamas or without shoes were able to at least dress respectably before venturing further a field.
Information centres were set up in each state, with the Red Cross taking particular responsibility for maintaining lists of names of refugees and their temporary addresses. Newspapers were published for Darwin refugees, often containing reassuring personal news. Public housing waiting lists were waived so that Darwin families were given priority in allocation of accommodation.
One of the first interstate responses occurred at a Boxing Day test cricket match. During an adjournment in the game players from both teams moved around the boundaries, carrying buckets into which the crowd threw cash for the relief fund.
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Debris covering Smith Street following Cyclone Tracy. |
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A trashed car and debris litter Smith Street as a result of Cyclone Tracy. |
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A line of destroyed houses, timber, corrugated iron and debris resulting from Cyclone Tracy. |
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Wrecked shops and buildings in Cavenagh Street after Cyclone Tracy. |
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Damage to light aircraft at Darwin Airport. Shows VH-PRC standing on its wing against damaged hangar. |
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Young child among the destruction in the northern suburbs. Child is holding string, supposedly to kite caught in electrical wiring. Damaged houses behind child. |
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A toilet left standing in wreckage after Cyclone Tracy. |
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Darwin Sailing Club, Mr Lew Marchant's ketch in foreground. |
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Twisted electricity pole, bent and twisted by Cyclone Tracy. |
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