TC Monica has passed through Darwin, but by the time it got here it had been losing strength over land, and was only a tropical low. There’s been a fair bit of rainfall, but nothing severe.
No damage anywhere in Darwin, with things returning back to normal.
I’m in Darwin so will try to provide a blow-by-blow for the expected hit or near miss of the city. Latest forecasts are suggesting the system is beginning to veer on a more southerly track and pass below Darwin but anything can happen at this stage. Even if it it does miss, we’re probably still going to feel some strong effects.
Current situation:
If anything exciting is happening I’ll try to update tommorow, assuming cell or internet holds.
Tropical Cyclone Monica has skirted the north Australian town of Nhulunbuy, but spared the town of the most destructive winds. Monica is now a monster tropical storm with wind upwards of 350km/h (217.5miles/h). Some reports coming from US satellites disagree with the BoM pressure readings and put the storm at 876hpa, which would make it the second lowest reading ever (behind Typhoon Tip).
Tropical Cyclone Monica has reintensified to a Catagory 5 in the Gulf of Carpenteria, and is expected to pass in the region of Nhulunbuy. Nhulunbuy is a remote town in the Northern Territory of Australia, with many of the residents involved in the Alcan bauxite mine.
After the Tropical Cyclone passes the town it is currently forecast to track West along the coast.
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Another tropical cyclone has formed off the Australian East Coast. It has been named Tropical Cyclone Monica’ The cyclone is heading West towards the Cape York Peninsula, and is currently a Category 1 - though is forecast to reach Cat 3 within the next 24 hours.
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For the last few days thousands have taken to the streets in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu protesting King Gyanendra’s claim to absolute power and seeking a resumption of democratic rule. Protests continue despite the declaration of a curfew in the region, and there have been clashes against riot police and destruction of state property. Two people are believed to have been shot by police during the clashes.
King Gyanedra ceased power in February 2005 citing the government’s inability to combat Maoist insurgents.
Cryptome has put up some news photos of some of the protests and riots that have occurred in the past week around the world. These include the French riots over proposed youth unemployment laws, and those against Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra which led to his resignation.
