Cape fears devastation from Cyclone Narelle
TC Narelle
Communities across Cape York are locking down, evacuating and preparing for Cyclone Narelle as fears the possible Category 4 Tropical Cyclone with winds up to 250km/h will carve a devastating path from Cooktown, through Coen and Weipa.
Tarryn Morana from Aussie Campfire Kitchens at Wonga is in contact with residents across the Cape as they get ready for TC Narelle which is forecast to make landfall Friday morning somewhere between Cape Tribulation and the Lockhart River.
Some have chosen to stay and sit out the chance they will be in the line of fire, others like Talk About It Tuesday founder Deb Jackson from Ups And Downs near Coen, flew home with preparation work front of mind.
Tarryn says a number of communities across the remote Cape have already been evacuated.
“I lived in Weipa for 18 years and have always been a Far North girl, so this is not new,’’ Tarryn said.
“But with this one, you have people scattered all over the very remote country and there’s a lot of structures that stand to get wiped out and the chance of people quite stranded and without communication.
“The rain is a big issue. Everything is so wet and if it gets a bit of wind everything just falls over.’’
Tarryn is keeping tabs on family and friends across the Cape.
Charter boat skipper Tilly Rehn, 25, is in Portland Roads and plans to take shelter in the WWII club bunker, while Phil Davies at the Laura Racecourse, will continue his valued updates of the Laura River flooding situation and access across that region.
"I'm feeling a bit nervous but also excited,'' Tilly said.
"I have got a really good bunch of neighbours and we will stick together.''
With only four people in her small community and Lockhart River township more than an hour away, counting on those direct neighbours for support will be critical for Tilly.
Deb Jackson, whose open living station homestead will be little match for the brute of Cyclone Narelle if it hits, flew into Coen Thursday morning, returning from Brisbane and the Life Awards( Suicide Prevention Australia) with Talk About It Tuesday co-founder Jackie Perry.
She was busy getting prepared for Cyclone Narelle's impact.
"We are busy doing what preparation work we can,'' she said.
"We have to ride it out the best way we can."
While not a winner at the event, Deb and Jackie said it was lovely recognition for the program they work tirelessly on with and for Cape York communities.
“We’re keeping in touch with Deb and others across the Cape as they prepare for the worst but hope for the best and while they are all very busy now, we’ll update as much as we can through our social media,’’ Tarryn said.
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