Cyclone Zelia is weakening as it moves south, but not before battering Western Australia’s Pilbara coast with wind gusts of up to 290 kph (180 mph) and heavy rain. Authorities are now assessing the damage, reopening roads and ports, and warning of ongoing flood risks.
The North West Coastal Highway reopened on Saturday, restoring a key transport link after being shut when Zelia made landfall on Friday (February 14). Pilbara Ports also confirmed that Dampier and Varanus Island—major hubs for oil and gas—resumed operations after closing as a precaution.
Zelia, the most severe storm to hit the Pilbara coast since Cyclone Ilsa in April 2023, made landfall as a category five storm before weakening as it moved south. Though major population centres avoided its most destructive winds, widespread flooding and infrastructure damage have been reported.
Emergency crews are working to clear debris and restore essential services, while authorities urge caution due to lingering floodwaters and road closures in some inland areas.
Read next
07:47
The Cook Islands has signed a comprehensive strategic partnership with China, Prime Minister Mark Brown’s office confirmed on Saturday. The deal, finalised during Brown’s visit to Beijing, is expected to raise concerns in New Zealand, which has constitutional ties with the island nation.
07:34
North Korea has urged the United States to abandon military threats if it is concerned about its mainland security, state media KCNA reported on Saturday. The statement follows U.S. assessments of North Korea’s ICBM capability to reach American territory.
06:11
The Trump administration’s early approach to ending the Ukraine war has left allies and analysts uncertain, as conflicting statements from top officials raise questions about its negotiation strategy with Russia.
03:53
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Ukraine has little chance of surviving Russia’s assault without U.S. support. His remarks come after phone calls between U.S. President Donald Trump, Zelensky, and Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this week.
02:55
U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled that auto tariffs could take effect on April 2, adding to a series of trade actions since his return to office. The move targets foreign vehicle imports as part of his push to reshape global trade and boost U.S. manufacturing.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment