Western Australia Prepares for Threat of Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Zelia

Western Australia is on high alert for Cyclone Zelia, a dangerous Category 5 storm expected to make landfall soon. Emergency services have closed key ports and issued evacuation orders, urging residents to seek shelter. The cyclone poses a significant risk of extensive damage and flooding, particularly in the vulnerable Pilbara region.

Western Australia is preparing for an imminent threat as Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Zelia approaches the Pilbara coast. This cyclone, designated as the strongest on the scale, poses a significant risk of widespread destruction, compelling emergency services to close seaports and issue warnings for shelter and evacuation. Authorities have indicated that Zelia is expected to make landfall late on Friday, impacting critical infrastructure used for the export of iron ore and oil and gas operations.

Darren Klemm, the head of Western Australia’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services, emphasized the serious threat the cyclone presents to lives and properties, urging residents in the Pilbara to heed the advice of emergency officials. This region is particularly vulnerable, with Port Hedland, noted for being the largest iron ore export point globally, experiencing closures due to cyclone threats.

This extreme weather event is characterized by wind speeds exceeding 280 km/h (174 mph), as confirmed by James Ashley of the Bureau of Meteorology. Rainfall levels have already reached between 80 to 100 millimeters (3.1 to 3.9 inches), with heavier precipitation anticipated, significantly increasing the risk of flash flooding, according to forecaster Dean Narramore.

The Fire and Emergency Services in the area have issued warnings stating that Cyclone Zelia poses a potential danger to life and property, urging those in poorly maintained housing or caravans to relocate to designated evacuation centers. In anticipation of the storm, ports including Dampier and Varanus Island were scheduled to close on Thursday evening to safeguard against cyclone damage.

In summary, Western Australia is bracing for the potentially catastrophic impact of Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Zelia. With emergency services on high alert, closures of major ports are underway, and residents are being advised to evacuate to safer locations. The cyclone’s intensity poses serious risks, and authorities are stressing the importance of following safety guidelines to protect lives and property.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com