Cyclone Tracy was one of the worst cyclones ever to hit Australia.

Statistics showed that

Tracy had killed 71 people, caused $837million damage, and destroyed more than 70% of
buildings and 80% of houses. Many were left homeless and habitats were lost.
It was during 1974, on Christmas Eve when Darwin was hit. Storms were very strong and the
cyclone was estimated to be travelling about 217 km/h. During this severe weather condition,
wind blew debris across the city and soon had caused the substantial destruction of the city.
The social impact of the cyclone affected Darwin majorly. The city faced many health crises
and the society was in a time of devastation. Water supply was contaminated from debris,
resulting in disastrous consequences. Sewerage lines were cut, sanitation became poor and
poisons leaked into the environment. Many homes were left without water, electricity, basic
sanitation and general necessities for living and supporting the injured. Although there were
some emergency centres available for those in need, they lacked proper hygienic conditions
consequently leading to several outbreaks in diseases.
Tracy made catastrophic impacts on the environment. Trees were uprooted, animal habitats
were lost and parks and gardens were destroyed. The gale force winds of Tracy blew the city
into chaos. Debris was everywhere causing pollution to the environment and most
importantly, the ocean. As mentioned before poisons leaked into the environment due to cut
sewerage lines and had soon made its way into the ocean. Animals lost their habitats and a
dramatic amount of birds and marine life decreased. This resulted in a broken food chain
which also affected other animals. Both the natural and built environment was damaged and
meant that it would take a long period of time to recover.
Due to the both natural and built environment being damaged, Darwin needed money to help
repair them. This strikingly took a massive $837 million from their economy and soon not
only the city, but Australia was also affected. Tourism also lowered in popularity due to the
state of Darwin and its uncertainty of safety leaving businesses unsuccessful and employers
underprivileged. Some businesses temporarily closed down possibly because of the damage,
also leaving families unable to support their families during the time of the crisis.
Response to Disaster
The cyclones impact was far beyond what Darwin expected and many werent prepared for
these situations. Help was given from all over Australia and the Northern Territory
government acted immediately.
Upon receiving news of the damage, several community groups across Australia began
fundraising and relief efforts to assist the survivors and those in danger. Several small towns
along the Stuart Highway in Northern Territory made voluntary efforts to assist people who
were fleeing by the road, homeless. They supplied them with food, fuel, rest and mechanical
aid. Groups such as the Red Cross and Salvation Army assisted in evacuating families outside
Darwin into safer shelters and approximately 10 000 (mostly men) were required for to clean
up the city remained.
The first official responses to the cyclone were most likely those of the Northern Territory
Police. Emergency preparations were made at Darwin and Casuarina Police stations, tools
and first aid kits were gathered and the police were ready to work long hours to help their
community. Officers were sent to places to help eliminate dangers and save lives in risk.
It wasnt until late December when the city started to settle and get future plans ready.
Government provided assistance to families by giving them the priority to enlist for public
housing and basic necessities. By February 1795, plans were made and Prime Minister
Gough Whitlam announced the Darwin Reconstruction Commission which was the
rebuilding of the city for future years.