Cyclone Larry Strikes.

Once again mother nature has spoken, this time via cyclone Larry, in far north
Queensland, one can only stand in awe of the power that this lady can unleash.

Larry has made a meal of three towns in the area, wreaking total devastation
with winds of 300 KPH, exceeding those of Katrina I believe, while the
property damage will be enormous at least there has been no loss of life.

The surrounding area is mainly sugar cane and fruit growing, these crops have
been totally destroyed, but again because of the type of farming there has been
very little livestock affected.

The difference is that the towns in Larry’s path were relatively small, no
New Orleans here, and definitely not below sea level either.

There has been the usual torrential rain during and since that have caused
severe flooding, but again nothing like the total devastation of New Orleans.

Mind you the locals who are now homeless and without Power, fresh water and
food would probably have some trouble seeing the difference.

As is the usual thing there has been an immediate response by the emergency
service people and charity’s like Red Cross etc. the usual politicians have toured
the devastated areas making noises of sympathy and promises of aid.

Sad to say that once the headlines disappear sometimes the promised aid does
too.

It seems truly ironic that at times like this, with floodwaters everywhere, one of
the most pressing needs is for fresh water.

Medical supplies and facilities are stretched to breaking point, but the spirit of
assistance is always there in times of need, restores ones faith in our fellow man
for a time, until some foul deed pops up to make one doubt again.

Along our eastern seaboard at present we have Larry’s devastation at the
northern end, calm and normal in the centre and the Commonwealth Games at
the southern end, enjoying perfect autumn weather.

It’s a big country.