Abdelrahman
Residents across the Pilbara region of Western Australia, particularly in Port Hedland, have been advised that it is now too late to evacuate as Tropical Cyclone Zelia heads toward the coastline.
The emergency alert affects areas ranging from Pardoo Roadhouse to Whim Creek and extends inland west of Marble Bar.
A watch and act notification has been issued for the region west of Whim Creek up to Dampier, which includes the city of Karratha and stretches inland to Tom Price.
The category five cyclone is currently located approximately 115 kilometers northwest of Port Hedland and 220 kilometers northeast of Karratha.
The unpredictable trajectory of Tropical Cyclone Zelia. (Supplied: Bureau of Meteorology)
The cyclone is anticipated to make landfall between these two towns later today.
Will Blackshaw, the incident controller for the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), emphasized that this is expected to be a significant weather event.
Zelia is expected to generate a substantial impact upon landfall. (ABC Pilbara: Alistair Bates)
“We’re anticipating a tumultuous couple of days weather-wise,” he remarked.
“The cyclone is likely to retain its intensity and will have a notable impact wherever it reaches land.”
An ominous sunset captured in Wickham, Pilbara, on Thursday evening. (Supplied: Scotty McGinley)
The slow progression of the cyclone has complicated monitoring efforts for officials.
While the area typically encounters several cyclones annually, Mr. Blackshaw reiterated the heightened risks posed by a major tropical cyclone.
Santiago Masciotta, a local from Port Hedland, sought refuge at the Karratha evacuation center. (ABC Pilbara: Courtney Withers)
‘An Experience Like No Other’
Santiago Masciotta, a resident of Port Hedland, found himself stranded in Karratha after traveling from Exmouth due to road closures.
He opted to stay at the evacuation center in Karratha for safety.
A satellite visualization highlighting the vastness of Tropical Cyclone Zelia. (Supplied: Bureau of Meteorology/Himawari-9)
“We’re prioritizing safety since we can’t return to Port Hedland due to the road being closed,” Mr. Masciotta shared.
“I’ve never experienced anything like this… it’s unsettling because the outcome is unpredictable.”
Heavy rainfall is being experienced near Port Hedland as Tropical Cyclone Zelia approaches. (ABC Pilbara: Charlie Mills)
DFES Duty Assistant Commissioner Stuart Wade mentioned that approximately 40 individuals have sought shelter at the evacuation center in South Hedland, with another dozen in Karratha.
In preparation for anticipated flooding, around 10,500 sandbags have been distributed throughout the region.
“The repercussions will be significant—affected floodways will experience disruptions not only this weekend but for several days following,” noted Assistant Commissioner Wade.
Residents collect sandbags in Karratha from the SES. (ABC Pilbara: Courtney Withers)
Final Preparations by Residents
In the last day, locals in Karratha and Port Hedland have been busy gathering supplies, cleaning, and preparing for the impending severe weather.
Harper Rolfe, a Karratha resident who has weathered cyclones before, is taking no chances with this one.
“We’re piling on the sandbags and taking down all shade sails,” he noted.
“We’re ensuring everything outside is brought inside so that no items can catch the wind and become airborne.”
Last-minute preparations in a South Hedland shopping center. (ABC Pilbara: Mya Kordic)
Bart Parsons, a publican in Wickham who previously endured Cyclone Damien in 2020, decided to evacuate and stay with family in Perth.
“I woke up and thought, ‘I’m going back to family,'” he recounted.
“The bottle shops had barely half an hour of business before everything closed down.”
In Port Hedland, major shipping operations at the port have been put on hold and will remain shut until the cyclone passes.
Operations around Port Hedland are on hold until the cyclone threat subsides. (ABC Pilbara: Charlie Mills)
BHP has confirmed that its operations in Port Hedland are temporarily suspended, with employees instructed to either stay home or remain sheltered in camps until conditions improve.
Rio Tinto has also halted its operations at Cape Lambert and Dampier.
No vessels or trains will be permitted to enter or exit until the storm has passed.
For ongoing updates, please visit Emergency WA, the Bureau of Meteorology, or tune in to ABC Radio Pilbara.
Further reporting contributed by Michelle Stanley, Kelly Gudgeon, Charlie Mills, Alistair Bates, and Mya Kordic.
