[AusNOG] Qld and cyclone

[Internet Information Group]

The eye has just passed over Mission Beach in between Cairns and 
Townsville and at the moment we are still seeing all SH/ADSL connections 
that are running on generator power (eg Hotels and Resorts) in Cairns 
and surrounds connected - suggesting the main exchanges and feeds south 
are intact.  (still plenty of custs checking their mail!)

The issue later will be how long batteries and generators last in the 
region and how bad the expected inundation of sea water will be as the 
cyclone fully crosses the coast.  As an example, the main Cairns 
exchange is barely a few metres above sea level and not far from the 
shore - although Townsville is likely to see higher tidal surges than 
Cairns.

Based on experience of Cyclone Larry, there is a high likelihood that 
the main transmission towers between Townsville and Cairns will suffer 
damage.  The amount of which will determine how long systems will need 
to run on batteries and generators.

Emergency Management QLD have already stated one of their main 
priorities will be to get and keep mobile cells operational.

The majority of our customers in the region shut down routers and main 
servers and relocated them to high ground or to Brisbane.

Those that left equipment on will likely find that the surges and 
brownouts tonight - before power was cut - haven't been kind to that gear.

The worst is still to come for some major centres and it will likely 
take a day or so before the real damage indicators emerge.


Klaus

Internet Information Group
www.iig.com.au


On 2/02/2011 9:28 PM, James Troy wrote:
> Anyone aware of how this may impact infrastructure? Its too far north
> for intercapitol bit beyond that I'm in the dark
>