What is cyclone mahina?

Cyclone Mahina

Cyclone Mahina was a devastating tropical cyclone that struck Bathurst Bay in Queensland, Australia, on March 4, 1899. It remains the deadliest cyclone in Australian history and one of the most intense cyclones ever recorded in the Southern Hemisphere.

• Date: March 4, 1899
• Location: Bathurst Bay, Queensland, Australia
• Impact:
  • Casualties: An estimated 300-400 deaths, primarily among Aboriginal Australians and pearling fleet workers.
  • Destruction: Complete destruction of the pearling fleet anchored in Bathurst Bay, along with significant damage to coastal communities.
  • Storm%20Surge: A massive storm surge, estimated to be as high as 13 meters (43 feet), inundated the low-lying areas around Bathurst Bay. Some reports suggest even higher surges, but these are debated.
• Intensity: Estimated to be a Category 5 equivalent cyclone on the Australian tropical cyclone intensity scale. The central pressure has been estimated as low as 914 hPa, though this is based on limited data and reconstruction.
• Significance: Cyclone Mahina highlighted the vulnerability of coastal communities to extreme weather events and led to improvements in weather forecasting and warning systems in Australia. It serves as a stark reminder of the power of tropical cyclones and the importance of preparedness.