Category 5 Cyclone Zelia Threatens Western Australia’s Pilbara Coast, Ports Shut Down
A Category 5 tropical cyclone, Zelia, is rapidly approaching the Pilbara coastal region in Western Australia, prompting warnings of widespread destruction and the closure of major seaports, Al Jazeera reports.
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued urgent alerts as emergency services brace for the potential impact of the powerful storm.
Cyclone Zelia, classified as a Category 5 storm – the highest and most dangerous on the scale – is currently moving slowly and is expected to make landfall late on Friday. The Pilbara region is a critical hub for Australia’s resource industry, home to major ports used for the export of commodities such as iron ore, as well as a key processing center for oil and gas supplies.
The BOM has indicated that Zelia is likely to cross the coast near Port Hedland, the world’s largest iron ore export point, which has already been forced to close. Speaking at a news conference, James Ashley, the BOM’s Western Australia manager, warned that Category 5 storms can generate maximum wind speeds exceeding 174mph. Concerns have been raised about the vulnerability of Port Hedland’s older infrastructure to cyclone damage.
Weather forecaster Dean Narramore, in a video published by the BOM, highlighted that the region has already experienced rainfall of 3.1 to 3.9 inches, with heavier downpours anticipated in the coming hours.
The region’s Fire and Emergency Services (FES) issued a statement emphasizing that Cyclone Zelia poses a “possible threat to lives and homes,” urging residents to seek shelter. The FES specifically advised individuals living in caravans or older, poorly maintained homes to relocate to the nearest evacuation center.
In response to the escalating threat, the ports of Dampier and Varanus Island were scheduled to cease operations from 6pm local time on Thursday (10:00 GMT). The closures are expected to disrupt shipping and potentially impact global commodity markets.
