Eerie scenes have captured the extent of Tropical Cyclone Narelle’s destructive path across the Gascoyne coastline in Western Australia’s northwest.
As the severe tropical cyclone battered Exmouth, further south the coastal towns of Shark Bay and Carnarvon were blanketed in thick red dust.
The Shark Bay Caravan Park, about 823km north of Perth, captured the eerie sight saying no filter was used on the video.
“This was a dust storm that preceded Cyclone Narelle’s arrival,” a park spokesman said.
Qld SES team in Exmouth to help with clean-up
The SES have sent a team of 22 storm and floodwater experts from Queensland to Exmouth to help with damage repair.
The team are working alongside Western Australian emergency services assessing damage in communities that were severely affected by destructive winds and heavy rainfall during the cyclone.
More than 1200 households and businesses in Exmouth are still without power as electricity providers work to restore services in the remote town.
“Horizon Power is working closely with DFES to determine when it is safe to commence and expand network inspections and damage assessments across affected areas, with restoration continuing where it is safe to do so,” a DFES spokesman said.
“Always assume power lines and underground supplies are live. Stay at least 10m away at all times.”
Residents in Exmouth and Onslow have been told to avoid using non-essential water as repairs are carried out to fix damaged supply infrastructure.
Crews are working to fix damage to a water pipe and power to bore fields which is expected to continue over the coming days.
Premier Roger Cook said authorities were in the region assessing damage caused by the destructive cyclone and met with community members in Exmouth on Monday.
“The damage caused by Ex-Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle is confronting to see, and I again want to acknowledge and thank everyone who has played a part in responding in recent days,” he said.
The premier said government support was being offered to residents who faced an incredibly challenging time.
“I want residents to know that we have your back. We will do everything we can to support you. We know it’s tough up there,” he said.
“Mercifully, we’ve had no reports of injury or death, but there is a trail of destruction and significant property damage, and we’ll do everything we can to make sure that you get back on your feet.
“It’s been an incredibly challenging time for those members of the community, both in Exmouth and Carnarvon, where they’re now experiencing flood impacts, but we know we’ll get through this,,” he said.
“We will get through it with the support of the community and with the support of government.
Carnarvon residents on flood alert as Gascoyne River rises
Residents near the Carnarvon townsite were told to prepare to isolate as the Gascoyne River rose quickly.
“There is a possible threat to lives and homes due to dangerous, widespread flooding,” a Department of Fire and Emergency Services warning stated.
“Water will be fast flowing and levels will rise quickly.”
People in the Lyndon-Minilya Rivers catchment were told their lives and homes were under threat from dangerous widespread flooding.
“Water will be fast flowing and levels will rise quickly,” a Department of Fire and Emergency Services spokesman warned.
“Elevated river, creek and stream levels are easing with localised flooding, which may continue during Monday into Tuesday.
“Road conditions are likely to be affected, and the isolation of some communities remains possible.”
Mining and gas sites damaged by Cyclone Narelle
Rio Tinto is carrying out repairs at one of its iron ore port terminals after it sustained damaged during Tropical Cyclone Narelle.
About 8 million tonnes of iron ore shipments have been disrupted from severe weather events in the past two months.
The miner was forced to shutdown four of its port terminals between March 24 and 28 during Tropical Cyclone Narelle.
A Rio Tinto spokesman said Cape Lambert A was damaged and is undergoing repairs.
“Shipping at that facility is expected to recommence in the coming days,” a spokesman said.
“The company has identified a pathway to recover around half of these losses.
Cyclone Narelle also shut major LNG plants around the northwest in another blow to global energy supplies.
As Tropical Cyclone tracked southward along WA’s northwest coastline on Friday, offshore liquefied natural gas workers were being evacuated.
Chevron’s major Gorgon plant and its Wheatstone LNG operations were knocked offline Thursday, the company announced.
Chevron and Woodside sustained damage at facilities in the cyclone’s path as it moved across the Pilbara and Gascoyne coast as a category four system on Thursday.
A Woodside spokesman confirmed production had been interrupted by the cyclone at the Karratha Gas Plant but they were still supplying gas from available capacity.
Relief for residents affected by Cyclone Narelle
West Australian residents affected by Cyclone Narelle which ripped through the state’s north are eligible for up to $4000 in relief payments as harrowing pictures from the clean-up emerge.
Narelle caused widespread damage with strong winds, severe rain and flooding, with Exmouth and Carnarvon among the towns worst hit.
The Roger Cook government on Sunday announced one-off payments of $4000 for households which were destroyed or rendered uninhabitable.
A $2000 one-off payment is also available for people whose homes suffered major damage.
“This was a severe and very powerful cyclone,” Mr Cook said.
“It ripped through the north of our state and while progress is being made, there is still a significant number of people that have been impacted.”
The payments will cover the cost of emergency shelter, food, clothing and transport.
About 1000 homes remained without power on Sunday.
The Bureau of Meteorology said that the risk of further heavy rainfall and flooding had eased.
However some roads were still flooded, leaving communities isolated.
Pictures and video posted to social media showed widespread flooding and destruction.
Warroora Station posted pictures of buildings which had roofs ripped off.
“We’ve taken a significant hit from the cyclone and lost some of our infrastructure, but we aren’t staying down!” the station said.
“Our team is working tirelessly to get the campground and most accommodation ready for Easter.”
Bullara Station, located at Exmouth Gulf, said it had relocated its staff to a nearby station during the cyclone.
Video posted to Facebook showed floodwaters across the station and staff helping livestock to dry ground.
“What followed was an intense and frightening 24 hours – powerful winds, flooding, and widespread damage across the property. The full extent is still unfolding,” the station said in a Facebook post.
“We appreciate your patience and understanding as we take the time needed to recoup and rebuild.
“Our timeline is changing by the hour, but we’ll keep you updated as best we can.”
