The severe tropical Cyclone Zelia landed on Australia’s west coast on Friday, bringing gusts of winds and record rain to the country’s most resource-rich region.
According to the Australian Weather Service (BOM), the storm landed on Western Australia’s Pilbara Coast, 65km east of Port Hedland, just after 12pm local time (4am GMT).
Zelia quickly strengthened to the highest Category 5 level, wind speeds close to 290kmph (180mph) and moved faster than expected at 11kmph.
By 2pm, they began tracking the south, slightly weakened to Category 4, but authorities warned that the danger was not over.
The warning zone extends from Walal Downs to Wim Creek, with residents experiencing severe winds, blackouts and supply shortages. At least 124 people were seeking evacuation at Port Hedland and Kalatha evacuation centres.
Port Hedland, a town of 15,000 people, has slightly missed the cyclone core.
Previously, authorities warned people to evacuate to the strongest part of the house because it was “too late” to evacuate.
“There is a threat to your life and your home. You are in danger and you need to act quickly. You need to evacuate indoors. It’s too late to leave.”
The Meteorological Bureau warned of heavy rainfall, with a three-day total of up to 300mm (11.8 inches) and up to 500mm over the next 24 hours. Several rivers, including the Degray River, are at risk of serious flooding.
“It’s a very dangerous system and will have a huge impact,” said Matthew Collopy, a predictor at Bom.
Meteorologist Angus Hines described the storm as “devastating.”
“Category 5 is the top of the scale. It won’t get any worse. We expect very damaging winds, extensive rain, floods and storm surges.”
Cyclone Zelia is paralyzing Australia’s iron ore exports and forcing the closure of major ports and mining operations across Pilbara.
Port Hedland, the world’s largest iron ore export terminal, will close on Wednesday, with major mining giants like BHP, Rio Tinto, Forteskew and Hancock halting and evacuating staff.
“The company is working to mitigate the impact and will provide operational updates as needed,” Rio Tinto said in a statement.
Fortescue on the Iron Bridge Mining site has been suspended, but BHP has confirmed that Port Hedland officials have been evacuated at a Category 5 rating facility.
The ports of Dampier, Cape Lambert, the island of Baranus, and the key hub of iron ore and gas were closed Thursday evening.
Cyclone Zelia went from Category 3 to Category 5 in 24 hours. Over the past few years, rapid strengthening of tropical storms in both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans has become very common due to hot seawater.
“There is a lot of moisture in the atmosphere and it plays a role in increasing sea surface temperatures. Therefore, severe tropical cyclone Zelia can potentially produce flash floods when hit on the coast.”
