Port Hedland Port Closes as Tropical Cyclone Zelia Approaches

Tropical Cyclone Zelia has prompted the closure of Port Hedland, Australia’s largest iron ore port, as it approaches Western Australia. The cyclone has intensified to a category two system and may escalate further. Preparations among residents and local authorities are underway, with an evacuation center anticipated to be opened if necessary.

Australia’s largest iron ore port, located in Port Hedland, has been closed in anticipation of Tropical Cyclone Zelia, which is forecast to escalate into a formidable category three cyclone. The Bureau of Meteorology has indicated that the cyclone has already transitioned into a category two system, prompting swift actions from both local authorities and multinational mining companies operating in the region.

Residents of Port Hedland, a town of approximately 16,000, have engaged in preparations as the cyclone approaches. Chris Ward, a local, observed, “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.” This indicates a growing sense of urgency in the community as they prepare for the impending storm.

The cyclone poses significant threats, including destructive wind gusts that may reach up to 220 kilometers per hour. Port Hedland is expected to experience heavy rainfall, potentially exceeding 500 millimeters. The Pilbara Ports Authority responded by clearing vessels from berths and anchorages in advance of the storm, ensuring safety in the harbor.

In response to the impending weather conditions, BHP has suspended non-essential travel to Port Hedland while continuing essential operations at iron ore mines. Local and state authorities are working with retailers to guarantee that essential supplies remain accessible for rural, Indigenous, and isolated communities as the cyclone approaches the eastern Pilbara coast.

As part of safety measures, an evacuation center is anticipated to be established at Port Hedland once alert levels are intensified to “watch and act.” Residents in affected zones, stretching from Bidyadanga to Dampier, are urged to remain vigilant and keep abreast of updates regarding the cyclone’s trajectory. Meanwhile, recovery efforts are ongoing in northern Queensland following significant flooding events that have impacted local communities.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Zelia is prompting the closure of the Port Hedland iron ore port as it approaches Western Australia. Preparations are underway among residents and multinational companies in anticipation of severe weather and catastrophic wind events. The authorities are taking proactive measures to ensure community safety while keeping residents informed about the cyclone’s progress.

Original Source: thenightly.com.au