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AAP, AFRICA, AUSTRALIA, BHP, BIDYADANGA, BUREAU OF METEOROLOGY, CHRIS WARD, CLIMATE, CUBA, CYCLONE ZELIA, DAMPIER, EVACUATIONS, EXTREME WEATHER, GHANA, KIMBERLEY, NORTH AMERICA, OCEANIA, PILBARA, PILBARA PORTS AUTHORITY, PORT HEDLAND, PORTS AUTHORITY, QUEENSLAND, RAIN, SOUTH AFRICA, WA, WALLAL DOWNS, WEATHER, WEST AUSTRALIA, WEST KIMBERLEY, WESTERN AUSTRALIA, WHIM CREEK, ZE
Ethan Kim
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Port Hedland Closes as Cyclone Zelia Approaches Western Australia
A major iron ore port in Port Hedland, Australia, has closed in anticipation of Tropical Cyclone Zelia, which has intensified to a category two system. Preparations are underway among residents, authorities, and mining companies as they brace for potential damaging winds and heavy rainfall. The cyclone is expected to develop into a category three storm, with significant impacts anticipated across the region.
Australia’s largest iron ore port, located at Port Hedland, has closed as it prepares for the arrival of Tropical Cyclone Zelia. Originally characterized as category one, it has escalated in intensity to a category two cyclone, prompting action from both authorities and multinational mining firms operating within the region.
Residents in Port Hedland, a community of approximately 16,000, have begun cyclone preparations. Local resident Chris Ward noted, “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.” Additionally, increased airport traffic suggests that workers are departing as the situation escalates.
The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts that the cyclone may escalate to a destructive category three cyclone, with potential wind gusts reaching up to 220 km/h. The cyclone is likely to make landfall between Whim Creek and Wallal Downs by Friday, leading to heightened warning measures including evacuations.
In anticipation of the cyclone’s impact, the Pilbara Ports Authority has cleared ships from the port and temporarily shut down operations. BHP has also suspended non-essential travel while ensuring that iron ore mines maintain functionality. Authorities are collaborating with retailers to guarantee essential supplies for affected rural and Indigenous communities.
As the cyclone approaches, emergency measures include deploying personnel, flood boats, and aircraft to the region. Port Hedland is preparing an evacuation center that will be activated in accordance with warnings elevating to “watch and act.” Rainfall projections suggest totals exceeding 500 mm, with major roads and routes affected potentially for up to a week.
Meanwhile, in Northern Queensland, recovery efforts continue from recent flooding, where two lives were lost and hundreds were forced to evacuate. Although flood warnings remain in place, recent rainfall patterns have finally showed signs of abating.
In summary, the closure of Port Hedland prompts significant preparations as Tropical Cyclone Zelia intensifies, with forecasts indicating severe weather conditions. Local residents are responding with evacuation plans, and authorities are ensuring preparedness to mitigate risks. Meanwhile, the aftermath of previous flooding in Queensland remains complicated, highlighting the challenges faced by communities due to extreme weather.
Original Source: thenightly.com.au
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