The news is all about waiting for Cyclone Yasi to hit...
You KNOW its bad when the locals rush to the airport to fly out right?
The government got every spare plane they could to get tourists out but they couldn't force them. They made it really clear there was a small window to get out before the airports would close because although the cyclone was well out to sea (the eye) the winds are bad up to 1000 klms away.
The streets of Cairns are practically deserted as locals bunker down or are in evac centers that are rated for category 5. So the only people who were out and about today were reporters and tourists who were staying.... as they basicaly have nothing to do but get back to the hotel when the winds come.... and when the interview I saw was broadcast, it was a few hours ago... the city looked lovely... gorgeous day, sunny. Its a different story as I type and tonight is when the epicenter reaches them.
Please understand this was NOT a set up... it was a live broasdcast as the reporter was walking down the street.
English Couple (looking concerned)
We just didn't realise it was going to be this bad but its too late to leave now. The hotel is wonderful. They are rated for Catergory 5 and if it all goes really bad, they have bunkers for us. I guess we have a better idea of how bad this is going to be because the evac centers have filled so the hotel has opened thier doors to locals and we have meet alot of lovely but scared people. I asked the Hotel Manager if we meet any other locals today that feels threathened, can we ask them to take shelter in our room? He said that was fine but to just let him know. So we have just come out to see if anyone is about that doesn't realise the hotel is offering refuge.
American Tour Operator(grin from ear to ear)
Nope. Never had any intention of leaving. I have advised our tour that we are in a Catergory 5 hotel and we have bunkers. Actually we are really excited about this cyclone coming tonight. They say its way more powerful than Cyclone Tracy and that the city could be totally wiped out. The management have given us all instructions about how to prepare but I have made sure we all have our cameras powered up before it hits.... We can't wait to get out in the streets tomorrow; thats what we are really looking forward to... and get some pictures of the killer storm to show our friends at home. This is going to be the highlight of our holiday.
Now .... exactly what do you see wrong with any of this..... words fail me they really do... it left the reporter a bit shell shocked too.