Western Australia Prepares for Impact of Category 5 Cyclone Zelia
Tropical Cyclone Zelia, a Category 5 storm, is set to impact Western Australia’s Pilbara region, prompting emergency service warnings and port closures. Authorities are urging residents to take shelter and evacuate as damaging winds and heavy rainfall are expected, leading to potential flooding and destruction.
Western Australia is currently bracing for the impact of Tropical Cyclone Zelia, classified as a Category 5 storm, which poses significant risks to life and property. The cyclone is expected to make landfall late on Friday in the Pilbara region, resulting in severe alerts issued by emergency services. Seaports have closed in anticipation of the destruction that this category of cyclone can cause, particularly to infrastructure used extensively for exporting commodities such as iron ore.
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has noted that Zelia is moving at a slow pace towards Port Hedland, a critical export hub, particularly vulnerable due to its aging structures. Darren Klemm, head of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, emphasized the grave threat, advising residents to heed emergency directives.
Cyclone Zelia has maximum wind speeds exceeding 280 km/h (174 mph), which greatly increases the potential for widespread damage. Rainfall has already reached between 80 to 100 mm (3.1 to 3.9 inches), with forecasts predicting more intense downpours that could lead to significant flooding in the area. Weather forecaster Dean Narramore expressed concern about the potential for flash and riverine flooding due to this intense weather system.
Authorities have urgently recommended that residents in caravans and substandard housing relocate to designated evacuation centers. The region’s Fire and Emergency Services have specifically warned of the possible threat to lives and homes posed by the cyclone, urging immediate protective measures. Following these warnings, operations at the ports of Dampier and Varanus Island have been scheduled to cease at 6 PM local time on Thursday.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Zelia is anticipated to hit Western Australia’s Pilbara region as a devastating Category 5 storm. Emergency services are on high alert, with significant threats to infrastructure and populace. Residents are advised to seek shelter and evacuate vulnerable accommodations as the cyclone approaches, with severe weather expected to exacerbate the situation further.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
