Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), Saturday 26 January 1918, page 13
DISASTEE AT MACKAY
HEAVY LOSS OF LIFE
Cyclone and Tidal Wave
WIDESPREAD DAMAGE
Mackay has been struck by a cyclone and tidal wave.
There has been heavy loss of life. fourteen bodies have been recovered. Several steamer, have been washed ashore.
There is widespread distress and hundreds are homeless.
All the wharfs and sugar stores thereon collapsed. Two small steamers and a barge were sunk.
The centre of the Pioneer River Bridge has been washed away, and Flat
Top Island lighthouse buildings demolished.
Mackay is on rations.