Cyclone Zelia WA category 5 storm to hit Pilbara region near Karratha and Port Hedland

A Severe Cyclone Looms Over the Pilbara Coast

The Pilbara coast is bracing for the impact of a severe cyclone, with the Bureau of Meteorology warning that the system’s path remains unpredictable and potentially dangerous. Thousands of residents are preparing for the worst as the cyclone is expected to bring wind gusts of up to 320 km/h and dump over 500 millimetres of rain in the most affected areas. High tides and already overflowing river catchments could exacerbate major flooding in coastal regions, prompting authorities to close roads leading into the area. The situation is grave, with the cyclone threatening to cause significant damage and disrupt lives.

Community Leaders Urge Calm and Compassion

Amid the growing concern, local leaders are calling for calm and compassion. Green, a travelling chef and business owner, along with Lockyer, the 2021 NAIDOC Artist of the Year, expressed their primary concern for the well-being of Aboriginal elders in South Hedland and surrounding communities. They emphasized the importance of kindness and patience during this challenging time. "What we want to tell people is be kind to one another at this time," Green said. "Everyone deals with natural disasters in their own way … when you prepare for imminent danger on your life, it sends hysteria in the community, but we need patience and understanding, we’re going to get through this."

Personal Stories of Preparation and Resilience

Stephen Whale, a Port Hedland resident, shared his experiences and advice on how to weather the storm. Having moved to the area in September last year, Whale cautioned that "courage" would be needed to endure a Category 5 cyclone. He expressed hope that his 40-year-old home, which withstood Cyclone George in 2007, would survive the impending storm. "I’ve been through cyclones before in Cairns but never a cat 4 or 5, fear is the mind killer," Whale said. He advised residents to stay sober and be of use to their households and neighbours. "There’s a lot of people who will say how easy it is and get drunk for three days straight to avoid feeling that fear and anxiety," Whale added. "Stay sober so you can feel it and be of use to your household and neighbours if they need a hand."

Whale also highlighted the importance of thorough preparation. "My preparation strategy is solid, there needs to be nothing loose in the yard, tie everything down even the garden hose," he said. "Literally everything could be a projectile but luckily the majority of people here will have their stuff packed and secured by the end of today." Despite his confidence in his own preparation, Whale noted that many residents had left it too late to stock up on supplies, with supermarket shelves already empty.

A Monster Cyclone Unlike Anything Seen Before

Former Karratha resident Cindy Newhouse described the cyclone as a "monster" that has left many residents in a state of alarm. "People are worried it will smash the town and that the Whim Creek pub won’t survive the cyclone," she said. Newhouse, who experienced Cyclone Damian in 2020, recalled how it was impossible to drive down the street in the aftermath. She said many residents were helping friends and family prepare ahead of the cyclone’s expected landfall on Friday evening, while others were choosing to leave town, especially those with young children. "Residents are scared because they know the slower the cyclone moves towards the coast the more it intensifies," Newhouse said.

The Power of Community in Times of Crisis

As the cyclone approaches, the Pilbara community is coming together to support one another. Many residents are helping friends and family secure their homes and stock up on supplies. Local authorities have closed roads leading into the region, and emergency services are on high alert. Despite the fear and uncertainty, there is a sense of resilience and unity. Stephen Whale noted that "there are people that have been here their whole life that are sticking together as a community and showing community spirit." This spirit of solidarity will be crucial in the days ahead as the region faces one of the most severe cyclones in recent memory.

Preparing for the Worst, Hoping for the Best

As the Pilbara coast braces for the cyclone’s impact, residents are doing everything they can to prepare for the worst while hoping for the best. The cyclone’s unpredictability and potential intensity have left many on edge, but the community’s strength and resilience offer a glimmer of hope. Whether it’s securing homes, stocking up on supplies, or simply being there for one another, the people of Pilbara are showing that even in the face of natural disasters, humanity and compassion can prevail. As the cyclone approaches, the region holds its breath, preparing for the challenge ahead but also drawing strength from the bonds that unite them. Stay strong, Pilbara—this too shall pass.