26 September 2023

Police remember Yasi’s wind of disaster

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The Queensland Police Service has marked the 10th anniversary of the day the devastating Cyclone Yasi made landfall as a Category 5 system in the southern tropical town of Mission Beach.

As the cyclone edged closer to the mainland, police assisted communities to prepare for the impending severe weather system.

One of those officers was Superintendent Dave Tucker, who was an Inspector in Innisfail at the time, and District Disaster Coordinator for the Innisfail District Disaster Management Group.

Superintendent Tucker said he not only held concerns for his community, but for his own loved ones living in Innisfail.

“It was incredible, the impact that it had upon you when you actually had family living locally,” Superintendent Tucker said.

“We were fully aware that some of them were aged and it was about ensuring they were being looked after by other members of the family while we were addressing the preparations of the community for the cyclone.”

He said Police worked with dedicated officers, staff and volunteers from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, State Emergency Services, Queensland Ambulance Service and Local Councils during the preparations, response and recovery from Yasi.

Officers were tasked to coordinate traffic and assist residents who chose to evacuate their homes. Patrols were conducted before the cyclone hit to ensure the safety of those who stayed in their home towns.

Superintendent Tucker said it was difficult for many of the officers in the area to end their patrols so they could seek shelter with their family and in their local police stations.

“These officers are so connected to their communities. Some of them really struggled with the call to stay inside until the storm had passed. There were a few tough conversations,” he said.

In the aftermath of the cyclone, officers worked to ensure residents in affected areas were accounted for, as well as assisting with the clean-up.

Superintendent Tucker said he was proud of the proactive approach of police and other first responders to help their communities in the days and weeks following Yasi.

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