UPDATE: Cyclone Fina has battered Darwin overnight, but residents are safe and damage is less severe than anticipated. Authorities confirm that, despite the storm’s ferocity, there have been no serious injuries reported and property damage is manageable.
Just hours after enduring winds gusting up to 195 km/h and heavy rain, Darwin residents emerged to witness a battered landscape but a resilient community. Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro and NT Police Commissioner Martin Dole praised the public for their cooperation in following emergency protocols. “I want to thank Territorians for how well they have co-operated and heeded all of the advice from our officials,” Ms. Finocchiaro stated during a press briefing.
The storm wreaked havoc, bringing down trees and cutting power to around 19,000 homes and businesses. Crews are urgently working to restore electricity as residents deal with the aftermath of the storm. In Darwin, the airport recorded 157 mm of rain, while a staggering 393 mm fell at Middle Point to the southwest.
As the storm moved away from Darwin, it intensified into a category four system, though expectations are it will dissipate off the Kimberley coast by next week. Meteorologists warn that heavy rain could still isolate remote communities, flooding roads and potentially inundating businesses.
The Royal Darwin Hospital experienced a partial ceiling collapse during the storm, but fortunately, no injuries were reported. Emergency shelters opened in Darwin, Palmerston, and surrounding areas, providing refuge for those affected. Residents were advised to bring their own bedding and food.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his solidarity with Northern Territorians, stating the Commonwealth is providing “every bit of support requested.”
Local resident Alastair Shields described the chaotic night: “It was a bit of a rough night, windy and noisy. You couldn’t see what was happening, but you could hear trees cracking and falling. That was pretty hair-raising.”
With the storm now tracking offshore, the focus shifts to recovery efforts and assessing damages. School principals have been instructed to evaluate if schools can resume normal operations on Monday.
As residents begin the clean-up, their resilience shines through. The community’s adherence to safety guidelines has proven crucial in mitigating the storm’s impact. Stay tuned for further developments as authorities continue to monitor the situation.
