Immediately after the cyclone hit authorities decided to evacuate Darwin so that the clean up could get underway. People were evatuated at cities all around Australia by airlift and some simply drove.
As soon as the news of Tracy was brought to the attention of the Australian community, people began to fundraise, donate and help out in any way they could. By Boxing Day $105,000 was raised by the people of Alice Springs alone. This provided immediate cash assistance for the victims. There was even fundraising at the Boxing Day cricket match. All the players carried buckets around the boundaries of the field and the crowd threw cash for the relief fund. Darwin also received support from some the the poorest countries including Bangladesh and Lesotho who sent money and messages.
In February 1975, soon after the Cyclone Tracy disaster, the Prime Minister at the time Gough Whitlam created a Darwin Reconstruction Commission. The commision was in charge of rebuilding the city within 5 years. By May that year temporary housing and caravans were used to shelter people during the construction of permanent housing which did not begin until September. In April the next year, new building codes were put in place, in attempt to avoid a repeat of the damage done by Cyclone Tracy. By 1980, the city was completely rebuilt.
Evaluation of the response
The positives of the response to Tracy are both the reaction by the wider community who were able to provide both financial support and donate essential items to the victims. Also that building codes were developed which makes the buildings much more stable for any future cyclones. A negative of the response is the long time length that the government took to begin the reconstruction stage.
How to be prepared for a Cyclone
Communities and families need to be better prepared for cyclones in the future, no matter what day of the year it is, even Christmas. There are a number of steps that should be taken:
1. The community needs to develop a community disaster plan. This involves having a meeting with everyone in the community and making sure all members know what to do when a disaster like cyclone Tracy hits.
2. Check that your house is in good conditions, especially the roof
3. Make sure that no trees are hanging over your roof
4. During the cyclone season do not leave any loose furniture or other items which could be potentially dangerous during extreme winds
5. Keep a list of all emergency phone numbers such as local police, fire, ambulance, local council, state emergency service, gas & electricity companies and also family members.
6. It is also a good idea to prepare an emergency kit containing:
• Portable radio (listen for warnings and advice)
• Torch with spare batteries in case power lines fail
• Fresh bottled water & canned food
• Matches, can opener, waterproof bags
• A first aid kit & manual
It is also essential to know what to do after a cyclone has hit: 1. Do not go outside until you are officially advised it is safe
2. Check there are no gas leaks
3. Don’t use electrical appliances if wet
4. Continue to listen to radio for instructions of what to do
5. Always beware of fallen powerlines, damaged roads, bridges, buildings and trees
6. Also be aware that
7. It is also good to check on neighbours when advised that you can leave your house
Interesting Fact: The average life of a cyclone is 1 week.
Response to Cyclone Tracy
Immediately after the cyclone hit authorities decided to evacuate Darwin so that the clean up could get underway. People were evatuated at cities all around Australia by airlift and some simply drove.
As soon as the news of Tracy was brought to the attention of the Australian community, people began to fundraise, donate and help out in any way they could. By Boxing Day $105,000 was raised by the people of Alice Springs alone. This provided immediate cash assistance for the victims. There was even fundraising at the Boxing Day cricket match. All the players carried buckets around the boundaries of the field and the crowd threw cash for the relief fund. Darwin also received support from some the the poorest countries including Bangladesh and Lesotho who sent money and messages.
In February 1975, soon after the Cyclone Tracy disaster, the Prime Minister at the time Gough Whitlam created a Darwin Reconstruction Commission. The commision was in charge of rebuilding the city within 5 years. By May that year temporary housing and caravans were used to shelter people during the construction of permanent housing which did not begin until September. In April the next year, new building codes were put in place, in attempt to avoid a repeat of the damage done by Cyclone Tracy. By 1980, the city was completely rebuilt.
Evaluation of the response
The positives of the response to Tracy are both the reaction by the wider community who were able to provide both financial support and donate essential items to the victims. Also that building codes were developed which makes the buildings much more stable for any future cyclones. A negative of the response is the long time length that the government took to begin the reconstruction stage.
How to be prepared for a Cyclone
Communities and families need to be better prepared for cyclones in the future, no matter what day of the year it is, even Christmas. There are a number of steps that should be taken:
1. The community needs to develop a community disaster plan. This involves having a meeting with everyone in the community and making sure all members know what to do when a disaster like cyclone Tracy hits.
2. Check that your house is in good conditions, especially the roof
3. Make sure that no trees are hanging over your roof
4. During the cyclone season do not leave any loose furniture or other items which could be potentially dangerous during extreme winds
5. Keep a list of all emergency phone numbers such as local police, fire, ambulance, local council, state emergency service, gas & electricity companies and also family members.
6. It is also a good idea to prepare an emergency kit containing:
• Portable radio (listen for warnings and advice)
• Torch with spare batteries in case power lines fail
• Fresh bottled water & canned food
• Matches, can opener, waterproof bags
• A first aid kit & manual
It is also essential to know what to do after a cyclone has hit:
1. Do not go outside until you are officially advised it is safe
2. Check there are no gas leaks
3. Don’t use electrical appliances if wet
4. Continue to listen to radio for instructions of what to do
5. Always beware of fallen powerlines, damaged roads, bridges, buildings and trees
6. Also be aware that
7. It is also good to check on neighbours when advised that you can leave your house
Interesting Fact: The average life of a cyclone is 1 week.