Thousands Evacuated As Monster Cyclone Hits Australia

MEP: Thousands of people have been evacuated as a monster category four cyclone smashed into the coast of Australia, with winds over 260 kilometers per hour (160 mph) ripping off roofs and uprooting trees in Queensland.

Tropical Cyclone Debbie barreled down on Tuesday, dumping torrential rain on the region and leaving more than 50,000 homes without power.

The Queensland police commissioner has warned people to prepare for news of significant damage, injuries and perhaps even deaths.

Hamilton Island has said there are no reports of injuries in the Whitsundays, now that the storm has passed over.

Police commissioner Ian Stewart said a number of communities had been cut off from communication and it wasn’t known how badly they have been hit.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said assessing damage was difficult because communities had been cut off from power and phone reception.

She said: “Everyone is going to be in shock tomorrow, just to see the full impact of this cyclone. I’m bracing myself for it.”