Cyclone Althea

DESCRIPTION

Name Cyclone AltheaDescriptionDecember 24, 1971, Tropical Cyclone Althea swept across Townsville.

Major flooding was felt in Townsville, Magnetic Island, and surroundings, resulting in substantial damage and 3 deaths.

Major Flooding in the Burdekin, resulting in a Storm surge measuring 2.9 metres in the Townsville Harbour and a 3.66 metres storm surge North Toolakea.

The insurance council of Australia estimated the 1971 damage at $25 million, Townsville region reached $50 million (1971 dollars) after the destruction of many houses including 90 percent of the houses on Magnetic Island.

The Cyclone had formed off the coast of Townsville days earlier and was deemed a category 3 when the storm hit the Townsville coast. At the time, Cyclone Althea was considered to be one of the strongest cyclones to affect the Queensland coast.
DateBetween 19th December 1971 and 29th December 1971

Photograph

House damaged by Cyclone Althea, Townsville, 1971

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Cyclone Althea