Cyclone Sigma

Cyclone Sigma was a tropical cyclone that caused severe damage in North Queensland, Australia on 26–27 January 1896.

The cyclone caused massive destruction to Townsville and surrounding areas. The cyclone passed to the north-east of the town, creating high seas and dumping up to 510mm of rain in the area. The Ross River broke its banks, flooding 3 miles of the town's suburbs with up to 2 metres of water. 10 ships were wrecked in the harbour. 17 people died in the flooding and one sailor was also killed. Many buildings were destroyed or badly damaged including:

The cyclone then travelled south towards Rockhampton creating heavy rainfall. Overall 23 people died in the cyclone with 3 missing.