Tropical Cyclone Zelia Hits WA Coast Ahead of Schedule, Leaving Residents Vulnerable

Tropical Cyclone Zelia crossed the Western Australian coast earlier than anticipated, with alerts for heightened severity arriving too late for many residents, particularly in South Hedland, where families like that of Elli Mamalis were unable to evacuate in time.

Tropical Cyclone Zelia unexpectedly made landfall on the coast of Western Australia, catching many residents off guard. Particularly affected was South Hedland, where the alert regarding the cyclone’s intensification to a category five occurred too late for some families to evacuate safely. Residents like Elli Mamalis expressed their distress at the inadequate timing of the warning, which left them with little time to respond appropriately and seek safety from the impending storm.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Zelia’s early crossing of the Western Australian coast posed significant risks, especially in South Hedland where residents received late alerts about the cyclone’s severity. This situation underscores the necessity for timely communication during severe weather events to ensure public safety. Residents are reminded to remain vigilant and prepared for such emergencies.

Original Source: www.abc.net.au