Severe Tropical Cyclone Fina Leaves Trail of Destruction Across Northern Territory, Threatens Western Australia
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A powerful tropical cyclone, Severe Tropical Cyclone Fina, has swept across the Northern Territory, leaving widespread damage in its wake and prompting warnings for Western Australia. The storm, the strongest to impact Darwin since the devastating Cyclone Tracey in 1975, brought destructive winds and heavy rainfall before continuing west into the ocean.
Darwin Reels from Cyclone Fina’s Impact
Severe TC Fina passed Darwin as a category three system, unleashing gale-force winds that caused significant disruption and damage. According to the Bureau of Meteorology’s (BOM) 4:30 am update, sustained winds near the cyclone’s center reached 140 kilometers per hour, with gusts peaking at 195km/h. The system is now tracking west-south-west, gaining strength over the Timor Sea and posing a potential threat to the northern coast of Western Australia in the coming days.
A cyclone warning remains in effect for the region stretching from Wadeye to Cape Hotham, encompassing the Tiwi Islands, Dundee Beach, Darwin, Milikapiti, Pirlangimpi, and Wurrumiyanga. A watch zone extends from Wadeye in the Northern Territory to Troughton Island and Kalumburu in Western Australia, indicating the possibility of further intensification and impact.
Power Outages and Infrastructure Damage
The passage of Cyclone Fina resulted in widespread power outages across the Top End, affecting suburbs in Darwin, Palmerston, rural areas, and the Tiwi Islands. As of this morning, Power and Water Corporation reported five unplanned outages, with repair crews temporarily pausing work overnight due to safety concerns.
Videos circulating online depict the cyclone’s force, showing a powerline being ripped apart, resulting in sparks and a small explosion. Strong winds also uprooted trees throughout the city.
Significant damage was reported at Royal Darwin Hospital, where a section of roofing partially collapsed on the first floor overnight, leading to water intrusion. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Initial concerns regarding the impact on the theatre and intensive care unit were later clarified by incident controller Emma Carter, who confirmed that those areas remained unaffected. Engineers are currently assessing the structural integrity of the damaged section of the hospital, according to NT Health Minister Steve Edgington.
Federal Government Pledges Support
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain has assured impacted communities that support will be provided. “Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel are on stand-by to assist with clean-up efforts,” McBain stated, adding that financial assistance will be available to local governments and communities to aid in their recovery. The federal government is collaborating with the Northern Territory government to facilitate support, including potential funding through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Intensification and Future Outlook
Despite conditions expected to ease through Sunday after the most damaging winds subsided between 6 pm and midnight on Saturday, the BOM warns that Fina could intensify to a category four cyclone tonight into the early hours of Monday. Heavy to locally intense rainfall, with the potential for flash flooding, is expected to continue around Darwin and south-west to Daly River Mouth this morning.
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Residents in affected areas are urged to stay informed and heed the advice of local authorities. The latest updates and information can be found in the live blog linked here.
