In a devastating blow to Western Australia, Tropical Cyclone Zelia made landfall on Friday, unleashing its fury with wind speeds reaching a staggering 120 km/h. The powerful storm left a trail of destruction in its wake, uprooting countless trees, damaging properties, and triggering widespread flooding across the region.
Port Hedland Narrowly Escapes Direct Hit
As Zelia bore down on the coast, residents of Port Hedland braced for the worst. This bustling hub, vital to the global iron ore trade, appeared to be directly in the cyclone’s path. However, in a stroke of fortune, Zelia shifted eastward at the last moment, sparing the town from the full force of its destructive winds.
“We are very, very lucky. [The ex-tropical cyclone] is still dancing around out there and dropping a lot of rain as she goes,” remarked Barry Harrison, Port Hedland’s SES deputy manager.
Despite dodging the worst of the winds, Port Hedland did not emerge unscathed. The town witnessed the uprooting of hundreds upon hundreds of trees, while the SES received approximately 30 requests for assistance in the aftermath of the storm.
Mining Operations Disrupted
The Pilbara region, home to some of the world’s largest iron ore mines, found itself in the eye of the storm. Mining giants had taken precautionary measures, clearing ships and trains from ports in anticipation of Zelia’s arrival. However, the full extent of the cyclone’s impact on iron ore supply remains uncertain as the region begins its recovery process.
Record Rainfall and Widespread Flooding
As if the wind damage wasn’t enough, Zelia brought with it an unprecedented deluge. An astonishing 500mm of rain battered parts of the Pilbara in just three days, with Upper North Pole recording a staggering 278mm in a mere 18 hours. The town of Telfer, situated about 400km south of Broome, found itself inundated with 93mm of rain in a single hour.
“This is exceptionally rare for that location and that part of the world,” noted Angus Hines, a senior meteorologist at the Bureau of Meteorology. “The rain has caused significant flooding and widespread road closures across the Pilbara region.”
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that the severe weather is far from over, with rainfall totals of up to 120mm expected in the coming 24 hours. Flood watches and warnings remain in place across the region, as river levels continue to rise.
Recovery Efforts Underway
As daybreak arrived, the Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) sprang into action, commencing damage assessments. Residents were urged to remain indoors, with flood warnings and road closures still in effect. The DFES distributed over 10,000 sandbags throughout the Pilbara to aid in flood protection efforts.
“The cyclone has passed, however there remains a possible threat to lives and homes,” cautioned the DFES in a Saturday morning alert.
In a show of support, the Australian Defence Force has pledged to assist with the recovery process. Zelia’s rampage left roads, schools, shops, and ports closed, forcing around 200 people to seek refuge in evacuation centers.
A Long Road to Recovery
As Western Australia begins to pick up the pieces in the wake of Cyclone Zelia, it is clear that the road to recovery will be a long and arduous one. The cyclone’s impact on the region’s infrastructure, mining operations, and communities will be felt for some time to come.
However, in the face of adversity, the resilience of Western Australians shines through. With the support of emergency services, the military, and each other, the affected communities will undoubtedly rise from the ruins and rebuild stronger than ever.
As the region begins to heal, one thing remains certain: Cyclone Zelia will forever be etched in the memories of those who witnessed its awesome power and destructive force firsthand. It serves as a stark reminder of the untameable nature of our planet and the importance of preparedness in the face of such natural disasters.
