Making a landfall in northeast of Queensland, Australia on March 28, 2017, Cyclone Debbie proved to be quite too much too handle for its residents. The eye of the said cyclone came ashore near Airlie Beach, with an estimated 10-minute sustained winds of 120 mph. Hamilton Island, however, clocked a peak wind gust of around 162 mph, and a 10-minute sustained wind of 119 mph. It was strong enough to damage the radar at Bowen, Australia, which is about 35 miles northwest of Airlie Beach.

Debbie was so strong that it left Queensland residents devastated and needing relief right away.                              

The 250 km/h wind left people with Injuries, severe damage to properties, and the torrential rain created a flood that destroyed multiple vehicles, even houses.

Queensland’s mud army proved to be helpful once again, as they help people struck by the cyclone get back on their feet. Volunteers gathered in Logan, South of Brisbane last Tuesday, April 4, to reach out to residents who needed extra hands due to the cyclone. The mud army last helped people in Brisbane, Ipswich, and the Lockyer Valley 6 years ago, where a massive flood struck said locations.
Australia’s Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull paid a visit to Logan City, Eagleby’s residents last Monday, as the said location was one of the worst affected areas during the cyclone. He promised that he will replace the damaged infrastructure with flood-proof buildings.

The mud army continues to clean up Queensland’s north and southeast areas, while the residents of Rockhampton remain on standby if ever another heavy rain and flood comes their way.

Logan’s Muslim Community became part of the mud army as well, as 50 members of their community participated in helping affected people in South of Brisbane. Even high school students participated, with most of them on school holiday.

So, what should you do after a cyclone? We’ve gathered up some tips.

Stay Inside

Do not go outside when you’ve noticed that it suddenly became calm – as this usually means that you are underneath the eye of the cyclone, which is a very dangerous phase. Stay inside the house and refrain from coming out.
Check Everything
Once the authorities declare that it’s safe to go outside, then go ahead and assess the damage. Check for any gas leaks, and ask a professional to check your electrical devices and appliances.

Insurance
Call your insurer and tell them about the damage. Ask about everything you want to know about your property and what they can do to help you.

Check on Your Loved Ones
Lastly, check on your family and friends. It’s best to call them instead of going to their house personally unless the officials confirm that it is safe to go outside.

If you want to volunteer for the mud army, then click here. It’s always good to see people teaming up and helping each other in times of distress. Always be on the lookout, and do not forget to keep your family and yourself safe at all times.