Cyclone Sigma

Sketches of the damage of Cyclone Sigma on Townsville, 1896

Cyclone Sigma was a tropical cyclone that caused severe damage in North Queensland, Australia on 26–27 January 1896.[1][2]

The cyclone caused massive destruction to Townsville and surrounding areas. The cyclone passed to the north-east of the town, creating high seas and dumping up to 510mm of rain in the area. The Ross River broke its banks, flooding 3 miles of the town's suburbs with up to 2 metres of water. 10 ships were wrecked in the harbour. 17 people died in the flooding and one sailor was also killed.[1][3] Many buildings were destroyed or badly damaged including:

The cyclone then travelled south towards Rockhampton creating heavy rainfall. Overall 23 people died in the cyclone with 3 missing.[3]

References

  1. 1 2 "CBoM – History of Townsville Meteorological Office". www.bom.gov.au. Retrieved 18 January 2016.
  2. ↑ "Lives lost during cyclone Sigma on Australia Day in 1896". Townsville Bulletin. 30 January 2015. Retrieved 18 January 2016.
  3. 1 2 "CYCLONE SIGMA 1896-01-26". Harden Up. Green Cross Australia. Retrieved 29 October 2016.
  4. ↑ "Townsville School of Arts (entry 600925)". Queensland Heritage Register. Queensland Heritage Council. Retrieved 1 August 2014.
  5. ↑ "Tattersalls Hotel (entry 600916)". Queensland Heritage Register. Queensland Heritage Council. Retrieved 1 August 2014.
  6. ↑ "Townsville Showground (entry 602650)". Queensland Heritage Register. Queensland Heritage Council. Retrieved 1 August 2014.
  7. ↑ "Drystone Wall, Melton Hill, Townsville (entry 600885)". Queensland Heritage Register. Queensland Heritage Council. Retrieved 1 August 2014.
  8. ↑ "St John's Anglican Church Precinct (entry 600880)". Queensland Heritage Register. Queensland Heritage Council. Retrieved 1 August 2014.
  9. ↑ "Grandstand, former totalisator building and main entrance gates, Cluden Racecourse (entry 600924)". Queensland Heritage Register. Queensland Heritage Council. Retrieved 1 August 2014.

Media related to Cyclone Sigma at Wikimedia Commons

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