Dramatic footage showing a remote town submerged underwater in Western Australia’s north-west has been released by authorities, revealing the destructive impact of ex-tropical cyclone Zelia. The cyclone turned streets into rivers across the Pilbara region, with aerial views capturing Marble Bar’s outskirts, located about 200 kilometers southeast of Port Hedland, overwhelmed by floodwaters after the cyclone dropped up to 600mm of rain in certain areas.
The Carlindie station homestead, located around 75 kilometers southeast of Port Hedland, suffered significant damage. Managing director Terry Butler-Blaxell reported that the homestead, machinery, a shed, and its contents were destroyed, although there were no injuries, and the station manager and his family were safe, with enough supplies.
Premier Roger Cook noted that while Port Hedland remained largely unaffected by major damage, pastoral stations experienced severe impacts. WA’s Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm emphasized the need for repair teams due to the extensive damage, particularly from roofs being torn off, which leads to serious water damage.
The most significant risk now is flooding after the region received an immense amount of rain, leading to evacuations in the remote communities of Warralong and Gooda Binya. DFES Deputy Incident Controller William Blackshaw stated that it was uncertain when the floodwaters would recede, despite some areas receiving up to 600mm of rain. Fortunately, the forecast for the coming days is more favorable with no significant rainfall or thunderstorms expected.
Residents who were evacuated from Warralong shared their relief upon reaching Port Hedland after being airlifted to safety. One resident, Daniel Toby, described intense winds, falling trees, and flooding along the Coongan River. Warralong community leader Clarrie Robinson added that although trees were uprooted, houses remained undamaged, and everyone was happy to board the rescue helicopters.
Further evacuations could be necessary in Nullagine, situated 112 kilometers southeast of Marble Bar, as floodwaters threaten to isolate the town. Although Port Hedland avoided the severe damage initially anticipated, floodwaters inundated roads and uprooted trees.
Port Hedland residents Zach Green and Bobbi Lockyer, who had planned to stay home, decided at the last moment to shelter with family nearby. Green remarked on their luck after narrowly avoiding a tree that fell between their house and Lockyer’s studio. Lockyer expressed her initial fear, admitting she had feared they wouldn’t return to a home. Nevertheless, they were grateful to be safe.
The De Grey River Catchment, east of Port Hedland, reached record-breaking flood levels. The river near Marble Bar peaked at 10.2 meters, nearly two meters above the previous record of 8.3 meters. Flood conditions are expected to worsen into the following week, with road closures around the Pilbara. Authorities continue to advise residents to avoid driving through flooded roads, as even just 30 centimeters of water can sweep away a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Tragically, the majority of flood-related fatalities involve local motorists.
Port Hedland Airport, which had to halt operations during the cyclone, is set to reopen on Sunday. Emergency personnel are using the airport to assess regional damage. While the airport experienced minor flooding in one terminal area, no major structural damage was reported, and operations have resumed smoothly.
Despite the cyclone being downgraded to a tropical low, several flood warnings remain, with authorities continuing to warn that some communities may be cut off due to the ongoing threat of flooding.