Cyclone Tracy virtually destroyed the town of Darwin in the Northern Territory (NT) in the early hours of Christmas Day, 25 December 1974. It was reported that during the storm 292mm of rain fell, and at 3.05 am wind gusts at the airport were recorded at 217km per hour before the anemometer recording system failed. Figures on casualties resulting from the disaster vary and have been revised over time taking the official reported deaths to 66 individuals, including the 21 lost at sea.
Following the storm, of approximately 10,000 buildings in the town, only 408 remained intact. The city was without services including lighting, power, water and sanitation. Ships foundered and port facilities were severely damaged, and debris from the suburbs cluttered the roads and pathways.,
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