Cyclone Zelia Forces Closure of Major Mining Port as Threat Intensifies

Tropical Cyclone Zelia has resulted in the closure of Port Hedland, Australia’s largest iron ore port, as it intensifies towards a potential category three storm. Preparations among local residents and authorities are underway to mitigate damage and ensure supply access. Several regions remain under flood watch as the cyclone approaches.

Tropical Cyclone Zelia is causing significant disruptions along Western Australia’s coast, leading to the closure of Port Hedland, the country’s largest iron ore port. The cyclone has escalated to a category two system, prompting swift action from authorities and multinational mining companies in the region. Preemptive measures are being put in place to mitigate potential impacts as the storm approaches.

Chris Ward, a local resident, confirmed that cyclone preparations are underway for the town’s approximately 16,000 residents. “The rain has well and truly started. People are stocking up at the supermarket on food and water, and tying down stuff around their homes,” he reported. He also noted that the airport is becoming busy with FIFO (fly-in, fly-out) workers leaving the town.

The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts that Cyclone Zelia may intensify to a destructive category three cyclone before making landfall between the Pilbara and west Kimberley regions. The agency warned that wind gusts could reach up to 220 km/h as the storm draws closer to the coast, posing a significant threat to local infrastructure.

In preparation for the cyclone, the Pilbara Ports Authority has removed vessels from berths and closed the port facilities. BHP has suspended all non-essential travel to Port Hedland while maintaining operational activities at iron ore mines. Authorities are also collaborating with retailers to ensure that essential supplies remain accessible to remote communities affected by the impending storm.

Essential personnel, including flood boats and aerial support, have been strategically deployed in advance of the cyclone. An evacuation center is set to open in Port Hedland once warnings are upgraded to “watch and act.” Residents from Bidyadanga to Dampier are advised to continuously monitor updates as extensive rainfall exceeding 500 mm is predicted in the region.

Many major roads and critical routes in northern Western Australia may remain obstructed for up to a week due to the cyclone’s impacts. Meanwhile, extensive clean-up operations continue in north Queensland following nearly two weeks of severe flooding, which has claimed two lives and necessitated evacuations. Though the threat from that scenario has lessened, flood warnings remain active across several areas.

In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Zelia poses a significant threat to Western Australia, particularly affecting Port Hedland, a major mining hub. Preparations are intensifying as the cyclone approaches, with local residents urged to heed warnings and supply availability being prioritized. The anticipated impacts include hazardous wind conditions and heavy rainfall, with ongoing efforts to manage recent flooding in nearby Queensland.

Original Source: thenightly.com.au