Cyclone ita category 4 storm

[Trina]

Cyclone ita is a category 4 storm causing evacuations in its path. We should keep in mind our brothers and sisters in this storms path. This report is from the weather channel.

http://www.cairnspost.com.au/news/special-features/cyclone-ita-cairns-now-on-watch-premier-campbell-newman-ditches-asia-cat-4-storm-biggest-since-yasi/story-fnjz9tr1-1226878465324

[niall]

Looks like it will make landfall north of Cairns, around Cooktown. Not many buildings up there will have been built to withstand a category 5 cyclone.

There is a small congregation in Cooktown. Many of those up there will have friends or family in Cairns, so hopefully they get the opportunity to evacuate.

I'm from Cairns (moved in Feburary) and yesterday I spoke with an Elder from there. He said they were as prepared as they could be.

I'll post any updates when I get them.

[Trina]

Oh yes, thank you for letting us know brother Niall. Please send our love and prayers to those brothers and sisters their. Please keep us updated. Much love!!!

[niall]

It looks like it will cross the coast over Cape Flattery. There us a silica mine there and, from what I remember, they have an underground cyclone shelter. It will only be available for any workers left on site. There is also a small Aboriginal community there, many of whom work at the mine, so they might be able to shelter at the mine.

Once the cyclone hits land it should weaken, but that won't help Cooktown much. The southern side of a cyclone is always the worst, and thats where Cooktown is.

I've spoken with several Brothers in Cairns and they are all ready. The Elders are well organized as Cyclones are a yearly occurance - just not usually this powerful.

[niall]

The Cyclone has made landfall and is weakening, but still category 2.

As far as I know there have been no deaths.

[niall]

Just received this text from a Brother in Cairns.

"Cooktown Kingdom Hall is fine , Cyclone hit Cooktown midnight last night, for us in Cairns getting 130km winds /hr."

[Trina]

We are continuing prayers for you brothers and sisters.