Twin cyclones wreak havoc in north Australia; no casualties reported

Sydney

A POWERFUL cyclone slammed into north-east Australia on Friday, destroying homes, upending trees, cutting power lines and causing flash floods, while a second storm severed communications to a northern island where heavy damage was expected.

Tens of thousands took what shelter they could as Cyclone Marcia caught Queensland state almost unawares, gathering strength in just a few hours before making landfall mid-morning as a category 5 system - the highest rating.