Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882 - 1955), Wednesday 7 February 1945, page 9


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Cyclone which developed off the North- West coast several days ago and caused severe damage to pastoral and other . properties on its way south has now lost its

identity off the south coast. This, was stated today by Divisional Meteorologist Akeroyd, who said that it 'had turned the corner' and merged with the southern depression south of Albany. Word was received in Perth today by Elder, Smith that extensive damage had been done at Ningaloo sta- : tion, about 150 miles north of Car- . narvon. ? ?- ; There 708 points of rain were recorded. All windmills on the, sta-tion were blown down and no station building escaoed damage. BRIDGE IMPASSABLE It was also reported that the Wooramel River at Wooramel station had overflowed its' banks in many places and damage had been caused by flood waters. The Wooramel bridge was impassable and it appeared that transport -would be held up for at least a week. Roads were also impassable. A Carnarvon message says that Carnarvon is licking its wounds after the severe mauling it received. The sound of hammers battering buildings and fences can be heard in many directions, but the more essential repair work has already been completed. The Gascoyne River is subsiding and the flood waters in the town are gradually receding, although it will be some time before parts of the town are passable.

STILL MISSING Although an intensive ' search -has been made, it was learnt at R.A.A.F. headquarters today that no trace had yet been found of the three men overwhelmed by the North- West cyclone. The men, officially posted 'missing, believed drowned,' are Corporal B. J. Carr, of Cottesloe; Corporal E. C. Turnor, of Wagin; and LAC G. A. Tonge, of Rockingham. They were camped close to the shore when the cyclone struck their area. Most likely theory of their disappearance is that they were caught by big seas. In this locality, as in others, the full force of the cyclone must have been felt. Only the most substantial structures would withstand such a blow. Some estimates place the wind velocity at 100 m.p.h. A wind of that strength would flatten any ordinary building. Freakishness and violence of the elements are' illustrated by a happening in the same area. A water-craft of substantial dimensions was lifted from its anchorage and found a resting olace on land a considerable distance away. In the course of its 'travels' it was carried clear of the coastal sandhills.