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Originally the death toll from Cyclone Tracy was put at 65. 49 of these deaths occurred on land and 16 were at sea. In 2005 a coroner fixed the official figure at 71. However, the reality was different.
Those who were there at the time believe more were killed, but the coroner had to rely on available data. Darwin was made up of many intransient people at the time, and some of these could well have disappeared without anyone knowing whether they were killed, or had moved on for Christmas.
Sources indicate that only those who died and could actually be identified were included in the death toll. None of those who died among the indigenous communities were included in the final figures. Those with local knowledge reported that entire Aboriginal settlements were wiped out, but these deaths were not recorded. The tin huts of the Bagot community, for example, were completely decimated, and the people disappeared. No record remains of what happened to them.
There are suggestions that more people died from disease in the aftermath, but as so many were evacuated and the cleanup activity was quick, this would not have occurred among the people of Darwin itself, but again, amongst the indigenous communities.
One of the main problems was that a disaster on this scale had not been previously experienced by Darwin. The emergency response and management was as good as it could be, given that the Northern Territory government relied on Federal assistance and was unable to make major decisions on its own. Cyclone Tracy very much highlighted the need for improved disaster management processes, and that included accounting for deaths.
Ultimately, there is no accurate record of how many died, and one must rely on the coroner's report.
For some firsthand accounts from witnesses who were there, see the related link below.
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How many lives were lost in cyclone Tracy?
Officially, 71 people died.
Were you injured in cyclone Tracy?
I was injured in cyclone Tracy my brother died and my mum and dad. It was terrible with all the blood and dead bodies.
How many animals were killed in Cyclone Tracy?
It is impossible to know how many pets died and how much wildlife was killed during Cyclone Tracy. Some estimates suggest that as many as 20,000 livestock animals died.
In cyclone george how many people died?
Five people died as a result of Cyclone George, a severe tropical cyclone that struck parts of Australia in 2007.
How many people died in burma cyclone?
not a million people died(werner), 150,000 died
In what ways did the design of buildings contribute to the damage caused by cyclone Tracy?
Everyone died except mr pony and tiddlewinks oh yeah
What was the effect of Cyclone Tracy?
The effects of Cyclone Tracy were profound. Many people lost all they had and left Darwin permanently. 65 people lost their lives. See the Web Link 'Cyclone Tracy Aftermath Index' to the left. Further information: It is said that the government wanted to downplay the actual death toll, as an election was looming. Sources indicate that only those who died and could actually be identified were included in the death toll. Perhaps hundreds more were killed, especially among the indigenous communities of the area. Locals reported that entire Aboriginal settlements were wiped out, but these deaths were not recorded. 9,000 homes were destroyed, out of a city of 43,500 people living in 12,000 residences. Many buildings were not built to withstand cyclonic forces, despite being in the cyclone belt.
How many people died Tropical Cyclone Yasi?
Tropical Cyclone Yasi caused the deaths of three people when it hit Queensland, Australia, in February 2011.
How many people were officially confirmed dead in Cyclone Tracy?
Officially, 71 people died in tropical cyclone Tracy, which struck Darwin, the capital city of Australia's Northern Territory, overnight on December 24, 1974, continuing until the morning of December 25. Most of the city was destroyed in the cyclone.Initially, 65 deaths were reported: 49 on land and 16 at sea, but on March 17, 2005 a new Coroner's report found six people on board the vessel Booya, which sank in Darwin Harbour during Cyclone Tracy, to have perished at sea. This effectively revised the previous 'lost at sea' estimate; the official death toll from Cyclone Tracy stands at 71: 49 on land and 22 at sea. The Northern Territory Department of Justice link below documents the Coroner's findings in the matter. Many believe the actual losses to be much higher than the Coronial findings.The Cyclone Tracy Website link includes detailed information as well as a collection of oral histories recorded by locals living in Darwin at the time of the disaster.For a quick-reference fact sheet on Cyclone Tracy, see the Emergency Management Australia link. The Northern Territory Library link supplies data and features an extensive photo collection, while the Wikipedia link provides further information on the disaster. Further information and oral histories can also be viewed at the "Enjoy Darwin" website.
What was the death toll from cyclone Larry?
Cyclone Wanda itself caused no deaths. It was a relatively low-category cyclone (the actual category does not seem to be recorded anywhere) but its beiggest claim to fame was the amount of rain it dumped on the Brisbane catchment area, contributing significantly to the Brisbane floods of January 1974. These floods resulted in 14 deaths.
In cyclone yasi how many people died?
There has only been 1 (indirect) death reported.
How many people were injured or died from Cyclone Tracy in Darwin?
Statistics from Cyclone Tracy vary. Some figures indicate there were 145 serious injuries and over 500 minor injuries, whilst other figures indicate there were around 400 serious injuries. The discrepancy in figures occurred because many injuries went unreported, and there was a large number of transients in Darwin at the time. The coroner's report stated that, officially, 71 people were killed out of a city of 43,500 people. Of the people aboard the 22 vessels at sea when the cyclone struck, 16 were never found. There are reports that entire settlements of indigenous people were wiped out, but these reports were never "officially" confirmed. However, documentation from an indigenous point of view indicates at least one community - the Bagot settlement - was wiped out. Most of the people from this community disappeared, and so it is unknown how many were killed or injured.
