Australia Commemorates 50 Years Since Cyclone Tracy

Cyclone Tracy struck Darwin on Christmas Day 1974, resulting in one of Australia's deadliest natural disasters, with 71 confirmed deaths and extensive destruction across the city. Winds reached over 200 km/h, flattening about 70% of buildings and leaving around 40,000 residents homeless from a population of 47,000. The cyclone triggered the largest evacuation and reconstruction operation in Australia's peacetime history, with over 35,000 people evacuated. In the aftermath, the damage bill exceeded A$800 million, prompting a significant reassessment of disaster preparedness and building practices in Australia. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently commemorated the 50th anniversary of the disaster, reflecting on its lasting impact on Darwin and the nation. The event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of effective disaster management and resilience planning.