Cyclone Ului Aftermath in Northeast Australia

In northern Australia people are picking up the pieces after a Cyclone hit over the weekend. Electricity has yet to be restored to parts of the region.

A major cleanup operation is underway across northeastern coastal towns of Australia on Monday. Tens of thousands of homes and businesses remain without power after cyclone Ului hit the region over the weekend.

The storm caused many boats to sink or be smashed onto rocks.

"We were probably expecting winds to come up from north but total reverse, came from the south."

Tourists are leaving the region, with resort owners left to deal with no electricity and the loss of business.

"Refrigeration is gone so we have thrown everything from the fridges out we can't feed the guests. And the life's luxury has all gone so they all want to go home anyway, I think most of them."

The state government has set up a disaster relief fund and federal aid is also available to those affected.

"A lot of people, a lot of friends have come from everywhere to help us. People just can't be more helpful."

Cane field growers estimate millions of dollars of losses in damaged crops.