Cyclone Mahina struck the northern Queensland coast, particularly impacting the region near Cooktown. The cyclone was marked by exceptionally high storm surges and powerful winds which wreaked havoc on coastal settlements and infrastructure. With waves peaking at 12 meters (39 feet), Mahina's surge pushed water up to 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) inland, causing extensive flooding and destruction. The cyclone's ferocity resulted in significant loss of life, with estimates indicating that over 300 people perished during the storm's onslaught.

The event is notable for being one of the deadliest cyclones in Australian records, with damage reports highlighting the destruction of homes and the loss of livestock, greatly impacting the local economy and community. The severe impact of Cyclone Mahina served as a grim demonstration of the power of nature and the vulnerability of coastal communities to such extreme weather events. In the days following the cyclone, emergency response efforts were hampered by the extent of the damage, making relief work challenging.

Scientific understanding of tropical cyclones was limited during this period, and the disaster prompted discussions about meteorological science and its importance in predicting natural disasters. Consequently, Cyclone Mahina's legacy includes a greater focus on storm warnings and improved emergency preparedness among communities in cyclone-prone areas in Australia, as well as reforms in response protocols designed to mitigate such disasters in the future.