A severe tropical cyclone is approaching Western Australia, prompting evacuations as officials warned fierce winds could topple caravans, uproot trees and turn debris into “missiles”, reports RTE.
As Tropical Cyclone Ilsa intensified over the Indian Ocean, one of the world’s most important iron ore hubs – Port Hedland – evacuated ships in preparation.
Forecasters estimate the Category Five storm could bring gusts of up to 170 mph, making it one of the strongest cyclones to hit the state in a decade.
The storm is expected to make landfall somewhere between the coastal towns of Broome and Port Hedland — about a 17-hour drive north of the state capital Perth — on Thursday evening or Friday morning local time.
It is then forecast to move inland without further weather warnings, but for a vast but sparsely populated area stretching about 1,000 km from the coast into the desert hinterland.
The region is home to iron ore mines, gold mines, massive cattle ranches, and several tribal communities.
The Bureau of Meteorology said the winds were strong enough to knock down trees and power lines, and could launch “caravans” and “trampolines”, reports RTE.
The Met Bureau said flash flooding is also a risk.
The state’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services said it “cannot stress enough how extreme these conditions will be for those in the area”, reports RTE.
Port Hedland Mayor Peter Carter said the devastating winds could turn flying debris into “missiles in the air”.
“That’s what causes all the damage, that is what injures people. Everyone is on edge,” he told national broadcaster ABC, reports RTE.
A yellow alert has been issued for several remote towns, urging residents to prepare for shelter from a cyclone.
Local media reported that some supermarket shelves were being emptied, with essential supplies such as bottled water, fruit and meat in high demand.
Australian researchers have repeatedly warned that climate change is increasing the risk of natural disasters such as bushfires, floods and hurricanes.
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