Cyclone Wanda
Victoria Bridge during the floods caused by Cyclone Wanda | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 20 January 1974 |
| Dissipated | 26 January 1974 |
| Category 2 tropical cyclone | |
| 10-minute sustained (BOM) | |
| Highest winds | 95 km/h (60 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 997 hPa (mbar); 29.44 inHg |
| Tropical storm | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |
| Highest winds | 65 km/h (40 mph) |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 16 |
| Damage | A$980 million |
| Areas affected | Queensland |
Part of the 1973–74 Australian region cyclone season | |
Tropical Cyclone Wanda was a weak but very damaging tropical cyclone that caused severe flooding in Queensland after three weeks of continuous rain. The system made landfall as a Category 2 Tropical Cyclone over Fraser Island, before tracking west, and causing enormous levels of rain over Brisbane and surrounding areas.The Brisbane River, which runs through the heart of the city, broke its banks and flooded the surrounding areas. The cyclone also flooded surrounding cities: Ipswich, Beenleigh, and the Gold Coast.
In total, there were 16 fatalities, 300 people injured, 8,000 homes destroyed and an estimated A$980 million in damages. 13,000 properties were impacted.