UPDATE: Ex-Tropical Cyclone Fina is slowing down after wreaking havoc across the Northern Territory and crossing into Western Australia overnight. Residents in vulnerable communities, including Kalumburu, are urgently preparing for the storm’s lingering effects as it weakens but remains a threat.
The category three cyclone, which boasted winds exceeding 170 km/h, caused widespread destruction before downgrading to a category two system. Authorities report that Fina crossed the coast near the Berkeley River Mouth and is expected to pass 550 km northwest of Kununurra as a tropical low on Tuesday, bringing damaging winds and heavy rainfall.
A spokeswoman from the Bureau of Meteorology confirmed that this stretch of coastline is mostly unpopulated but warned of potential hazards: “Once it crosses over the coast, it will weaken quite rapidly. We are not expecting heavy rainfall from the coastal areas to translate to inland areas in WA.”
Residents of Kalumburu, a community of about 400 people, are on high alert as they brace for the storm. Kim Holm, CEO of the Kalumburu Aboriginal Corporation, shared the community’s preparations: “We cleaned everything up, made sure we’ve strapped everything down, and we’ve all got a little bit of extra spare food with a torch, just in case the power goes out.” The sentiment among residents is cautiously optimistic, as they express relief that Fina has lost intensity.
Warnings remain in effect for damaging winds of up to 120 km/h along the coast between King George River Mouth and the WA/NT border, extending into inland areas east of Kalumburu. Meanwhile, Wyndham, a town of approximately 900 residents, may also experience heavy rains as Fina continues its path.
In the Northern Territory, the aftermath of Fina is prompting a major cleanup effort. Crews are actively working to restore power to thousands of homes and clear roads of debris. The Tiwi Islands, located north of Darwin, were particularly hard-hit, with many communities facing power outages and fallen trees.
As the situation develops, local officials urge residents to stay informed and prepared. The community’s resilience is being tested, but the spirit remains strong as they face the challenges ahead.
Stay tuned for further updates on this urgent weather event as authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
