Queensland: Cyclone Yasi has battered the state of Queensland in north-eastern Australia, leaving a trail of destruction.
The northern towns of Innisfail, Tully, Mission Beach and Cardwell have been the worst hit.
The cities of Cairns and Townsville were relatively unscathed but are being lashed by heavy rains; warnings of further storm surges have been issued.
The Queensland Premier, Anna Bligh, said there had been no reports of deaths or serious injuries so far.
She said the cyclone had not been as severe as had been feared.
The full scale of damage caused by the estimated 300km/h (190mph) winds is not yet known as power and phone lines are cut.
At least 180,000 homes are without electricity; relief workers are using heavy equipment to cut through fallen trees and debris.
“I’m very relieved this morning, but I do stress these are very early reports,” Ms Bligh said of the information that no one had been killed overnight.
“It’s a long way to go before I say we’ve dodged any bullets.”
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