Port Hedland Closes as Cyclone Zelia Intensifies: Preparedness Measures Underway

Tropical Cyclone Zelia, now a category two system, has led to the closure of Australia’s largest iron ore port, Port Hedland. Local residents are preparing for adverse weather, with forecasts predicting severe winds and over 500 mm of rainfall. Authorities and mining companies are on high alert as the hurricane approaches Western Australia’s coast, prompting evacuation plans and resource mobilization.

Australia’s largest iron ore port, Port Hedland, has shut down as Tropical Cyclone Zelia approaches Western Australia’s coastline. The cyclone has escalated to a category two system, prompting immediate action from authorities and multinational mining companies in the region. Preparations are underway as the port braces for potentially severe weather conditions, including destructive winds and heavy rainfall.

Local resident Chris Ward noted that the town of approximately 16,000 people is intensifying its cyclone preparations. “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. Additionally, the local airport has seen increased traffic as Fly-In Fly-Out (FIFO) workers depart, anticipating adverse weather as Valentine’s Day approaches.

The Bureau of Meteorology anticipates that the cyclone may develop into a powerful category three storm before making landfall in the Pilbara or west Kimberley regions. There are warnings of wind gusts reaching up to 220 km/h, particularly affecting areas from Whim Creek to Wallal Downs. Given the cyclone’s trajectory, measures have been implemented to clear the port and secure vessels.

BHP has temporarily suspended non-essential travel to Port Hedland while iron ore mining operations proceed. Efforts are also being made to ensure vital supplies remain accessible to rural, Indigenous, and isolated communities as the cyclone approaches. Additional resources, including personnel, flood boats, and aircraft, have been predeployed in anticipation of the storm’s impact.

Authorities plan to establish an evacuation center in Port Hedland when the storm warnings are upgraded to a “watch and act” status. The cyclone is predicted to deliver excess rainfall exceeding 500 mm to the region. Residents in the warning zone, spanning from Bidyadanga to Dampier, have been urged to remain vigilant and monitor updates regarding the cyclone’s trajectory and potential threats.

Moreover, residents of northern Western Australia should prepare for significant disruptions to major roads and infrastructure for up to a week due to the impending storm. In addition, the region continues to reevaluate recovery and cleanup efforts in north Queensland, following severe flooding that claimed two lives and necessitated evacuations, despite recent easing of the rain-related dangers.

In conclusion, Port Hedland’s major iron ore port has closed in anticipation of Tropical Cyclone Zelia, which has intensified to a category two system. Preparations are ongoing as authorities warn of potentially destructive winds and heavy rainfall. The local community, mining operations, and emergency services are on high alert as they brace for significant impacts from the approaching cyclone.

Original Source: thenightly.com.au