Ex-tropical cyclone Zelia wreaked havoc on the Carlindie Homestead and flooded roads in Port Hedland, threatening to isolate remote towns in Western Australia’s northwest. While Port Hedland was spared from significant damage, the streets were submerged, and trees were uprooted, causing chaos in the region.
The aftermath of the cyclone was captured in dramatic aerial footage showing Marble Bar submerged in floodwaters, with up to 600mm of rain inundating the area. The Carlindie station homestead, located southeast of Port Hedland, bore the brunt of the storm, sustaining severe damage to its buildings, machinery, and sheds.
Despite the destruction, there were no reports of injuries at the homestead, and the station manager and his family remained in good spirits with ample supplies. Premier Roger Cook noted the impact on pastoral stations, emphasizing the resilience of the affected communities in the face of adversity.
Emergency teams were swiftly deployed to assess and repair damaged homesteads, addressing concerns of water ingress and extensive structural damage. The flooding posed a significant threat, prompting the evacuation of remote communities like Warralong and Gooda Binya as floodwaters continued to rise.
Residents shared harrowing experiences of the cyclone’s fury, with evacuees recounting the intense winds and rising waters that forced them to seek refuge in safer locations. Nullagine residents faced potential evacuation as floodwaters surged, heightening fears of isolation as roads became impassable.
While Port Hedland residents narrowly escaped the worst of the cyclone’s impact, the town still grappled with flooded roads and uprooted trees. Many breathed a collective sigh of relief, grateful for dodging a more catastrophic outcome and emphasizing the importance of timely evacuation and preparedness.
Record-breaking flood levels in the De Grey River Catchment added to the challenges, with rising waters threatening further disruptions and road closures across the Pilbara region. Authorities remained vigilant, cautioning against driving through flooded areas and urging residents to prioritize safety.
Despite the downgrade of Cyclone Zelia to a tropical low, the risk of major flooding persisted, necessitating ongoing monitoring and preparedness. Port Hedland Airport, temporarily closed due to the cyclone, was set to resume operations, facilitating emergency response efforts.
As the region grappled with the aftermath of ex-tropical cyclone Zelia, communities rallied together to assess the damage, provide support, and ensure the safety of residents. The resilience displayed in the face of adversity underscored the importance of disaster preparedness and swift, coordinated response efforts in mitigating the impact of natural disasters.
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