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Cyclone Zelia: Western Australia Ports Reopen After Severe Storm
Ports Resume Operations
Western Australia’s ports of Dampier and Varanus Island have reopened after Tropical Cyclone Zelia impacted the Pilbara region. The ports’ operator, Pilbara Ports, confirmed their reopening late on Friday following inspections.
Cyclone Zelia’s Impact
Zelia, the most severe storm to hit the Pilbara coast since Cyclone Ilsa in April 2023, brought heavy rain and wind gusts up to 290 kph (180 mph). As a result, major ports, including Port Hedland and Cape Lambert, were temporarily closed.
Safety Inspections and Reopening Process
Pilbara Ports undertook thorough inspections of navigation aids, channels, and berths before confirming safe operations could resume. While Dampier and Varanus Island ports are operational, an alert will be issued when Port Hedland reopens.
Cyclone Zelia’s Path and Weakening
The cyclone made landfall near Port Hedland on Friday as a category five storm before weakening to a category four while moving south. The Australian weather bureau later downgraded it to a tropical low as it continued dissipating inland.
Flood Risks and Emergency Warnings
Despite weakening, heavy rain has caused rising water levels in some areas. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services issued an emergency warning for residents between Warralong and Marble Bar, southeast of Port Hedland. Some towns in the region may become isolated due to flooding.
Mining Operations Assessment
Mining companies operating in the region have begun assessing their sites. Fortescue reported minimal damage and is working to resume normal operations. BHP also confirmed no major damage and has started recovery efforts, bringing teams back on-site.
Resumption of Iron Ore Shipments
Port Hedland, used by BHP, Fortescue, and Hancock Prospecting, remains closed but is expected to reopen soon. Cape Lambert and Dampier ports, which ship Rio Tinto’s iron ore, are resuming ship movements.
Conclusion
As Cyclone Zelia weakens and moves inland, recovery operations are underway. The reopening of ports and minimal reported damage indicate a swift return to normalcy for the region’s mining and export activities.