QLD:Accommodation needs to rise after Yasi

AAP General News (Australia)
02-11-2011
QLD:Accommodation needs to rise after Yasi

By Petrina Berry

CAIRNS, Feb 11 AAP - More far north Queensland families affected by Cyclone Yasi may
need emergency accommodation in coming weeks, local authorities warn.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council Deputy Mayor Mark Nolan said that to date 60 families
had been placed in hotels, caravan parks and other accommodation in Cairns.

But he expects the demand for emergency accommodation to greatly increase as insurance
assessors survey the damage to people's homes.

Many homes between Cardwell and Cairns were damaged by Cyclone Yasi when it crossed
the coast at Mission Beach more than a week ago.

"Demountable homes are being transported into the area," Mr Nolan told AAP.

"We are expecting more people will need to move out of their homes because there may
be asbestos issues.

"People may also come to an agreement with their insurance assessors that their homes
are unfit to live in at that moment."

Older homes, especially those built before 1984 can contain asbestos.

The Asbestos Diseases Foundation has warned cyclone victims returning to their shattered
homes to beware of asbestos.

Asbestos is toxic and, if inhaled, can cause a range of deadly lung diseases.

Mr Nolan says it will take weeks before life returns to normal for residents at Tully,
Mission Beach, Silkwood and other small communities in the region.

Many homes are still without mains power and water still needs to be boiled before
it is consumed.

Potable water is also being supplied at various community centres across the Cassowary Coast.

"Power is being slowly restored but this will take some time given how widespread the
damage is," Mr Nolan said.

He said evacuation centres at Tully and Cardwell are still operating but only a handful
are sleeping there because most have found alternative accommodation or returned to their
homes.

Hundreds continue to show up for free meals at the centres.

However, no more free meals will be provided at the evacuation centres after Friday night.

"Because the local businesses are up and running again, we will stop providing free
meals as of tonight so we're not competing with the businesses," Mr Nolan said.

AAP peb/crh/dep

KEYWORD: YASI HOUSING

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