"Deadly storm batters Australia: Cyclone Debbie"

Cyclone Debbie:

Cyclone Debbie made landfall between Bowen and Airlie Beach in Queensland as a category four storm, whipping gusts of up to 263km/h (163mph).
It is moving inland as a category two storm but could cause damage for hours yet.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said he was aware of one death so far.

Activating a disaster response plan, he stressed the picture could develop when emergency crews were able to assess the damage.
"Conditions have deteriorated rapidly," he told parliament. "Take care and stay safe. Be prepared to shelter in place until Wednesday."

Defence force helicopters and naval vessels would be sent to Queensland with aid, he added.
He said the Australian government would be urging insurance companies to be "compassionate" and supportive of people who have claims to make following the cyclone.

'Battering Ram Effect'

The extent of Cyclone Debbie's devastation, which has a 50km-diameter eye wall, may not be known for some time, the authorities said.
Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said the storm's slow speed had created a "battering ram effect", adding: "We are going to get lots of reports of damage, and sadly I think we will also receive reports of injuries, if not death."

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said assessing damage was difficult because communities had been cut off from power and phone reception.
Electricity providers said it was not known when power would be restored to houses.
Officials warned people to stay indoors until it was safe to go outside.

Surfers condemned

The 1,500 residents of Collinsville inland were told to be aware the category two storm was heading for them.
"We're going to see the impact of Cyclone Debbie for the next three to five days," Ms Palaszczuk said.
She also condemned those people spotted surfing during the cyclone as "irresponsible" and "ridiculous".
Children entertain themselves in a temporary cyclone shelter in the town of Ayr in far north Queensland as Cyclone Debbie approaches on March 28, 2017Image copyrightAFP

Thousands of people have been evacuated, many to temporary cyclone shelters
More than 25,000 people were urged to evacuate their homes ahead of predictions the cyclone would be Queensland's most damaging since 2011.

The region is expected to be hit with 150-500mm of rain on Tuesday, with warnings of floods in low-lying areas. Police warned people to beware of fallen power lines, which could be deadly
Emergency stockpiles of food and fuel have been set aside, and the army is on standby

The Insurance Council of Australia declared the cyclone a "catastrophe"
David Wachenfeld, of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, said he feared Debbie might have caused extensive damage to reefs in its path.

More than 2,000 emergency workers are on standby but people have been warned crews will only respond when it is safe to do so.

All flights have been cancelled at Townsville Airport and Mackay Airport.