Cyclone Debbie rips through Australia as police chief warns of fatalities

Australia has seen widespread destruction on its eastern coast as Cyclone Debbie made its away across the country, with police chiefs warning that there is likely to be deaths caused by the category-four storm.

Torrential rain and winds led to power cuts in thousands of homes across the region, and it is moving towards the centre of the country.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said that the country’s lawmakers had activated a disaster plan.

"Conditions have deteriorated rapidly," he said. "Take care and stay safe. Be prepared to shelter in place until Wednesday."

The extent of the damage caused by Debbie is not yet clear, but Queensland state police commissioner Ian Stewart feared that there would be fatalities.

“We are going to get lots of reports of damage and sadly I think we will also receive more reports of injuries, if not deaths,” Stewart said. “We need to be prepared for that.”

The government in Queensland had prepared citizens for days and even forced evacuations of certain areas in order to minimise the damage caused by the storm. It is not expected to clear until Wednesday, when the full extent of damage will become known.

The premier of the Queensland region Annastacia Palaszczu said she was pessimistic about seeing the damage caused by Debbie.

"Everyone is going to be in shock tomorrow,” she said, “just to see the full impact of this cyclone. I'm bracing myself for it."