Cyclone Sigma


Cyclone Sigma was a tropical cyclone that caused severe damage in North Queensland, Australia on 26–27 January 1896.

Impact

The cyclone caused massive destruction to Townsville and surrounding areas. The cyclone passed to the north-east of the town, creating high seas and dumping up to 510mm of rain in the area. The Ross River broke its banks, flooding 3 miles of the town's suburbs with up to 2 metres of water. 10 ships were wrecked in the harbour. 17 people died in the flooding and one sailor was also killed. Many buildings were destroyed or badly damaged including:
The cyclone then travelled south towards Rockhampton creating heavy rainfall. Overall 23 people died in the cyclone with 3 missing.