Story perspectives

Tropical Cyclone Koji Hits Queensland, Floods and Power Outages Follow

1/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Tropical Cyclone Koji made landfall in Queensland on 11 January 2026 between Ayr and Bowen, bringing heavy rain and winds to 120 km/h.
The Bureau of Meteorology reported rainfall exceeding 250 mm and severe flood warnings across multiple catchments as Koji weakened to a tropical low.
Premier David Crisafulli (Qld.) commended community preparedness and noted rescue operations, with Toolakea Beach residents preparing for flooding and about 3,000 homes without power.

History

Historical Context

On December 25, 1974, Cyclone Tracy struck Darwin, Australia, causing 71 fatalities and devastating over 70% of the city's buildings. The cyclone, which left more than 41,000 residents homeless, prompted significant changes in disaster management policies and building codes. The reconstruction efforts led by the Darwin Reconstruction Commission aimed to enhance infrastructure resilience, shaping future responses to natural disasters in Australia.

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Story summary

Tropical Cyclone Koji made landfall in Queensland on 11 January 2026 between Ayr and Bowen, bringing heavy rain and winds to 120 km/h.
The Bureau of Meteorology reported rainfall exceeding 250 mm and severe flood warnings across multiple catchments as Koji weakened to a tropical low.
Premier David Crisafulli (Qld.) commended community preparedness and noted rescue operations, with Toolakea Beach residents preparing for flooding and about 3,000 homes without power.

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