Picture of cyclone devastation in Queensland Australia becomes clearer

[Stacey King]

Pacific Beat Home

Updated February 8, 2011 09:23:36

With almost every part of the Australian state of Queensland suffering in some way from a natural disaster, the task of rebuilding is daunting.

After a series of inspections by teams of emergency workers, it's now clear that Cyclone Yasi destroyed almost 150 homes and another 650 were severely damaged.

The worst affected areas are the communities of Cardwell, Tully and Ingham, close to the city of Cairns.

Queensland's Premier Anna Bligh has formally expanded the remit of the state's disaster reconstruction authority which was set up after January's flood disaster, to include the cyclone devastation as well.

Staff from the community sector are already on the ground, making sure people can access emergency funds and accommodation.

Meredith Griffiths reports.

Presenter: Meredith Griffiths
Speakers: Anna Bligh, Queensland Premier, Karen Struthers, Community and Housing Minister; Hank Jongen, Centrelink General Manager.

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