Red alert issued in Western Australia

A red alert has been issued for Port Hedland, Western Australia and district residents as tropical cyclone Christine intensifies and heads towards Western Australia’s Pilbara coast.

A red alert has been issued for Port Hedland, Western Australia and district residents as tropical cyclone Christine intensifies and heads towards Western Australia’s Pilbara coast.

Port Hedland is the second largest town in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, with a population of approximately 14,000, including the satellite town of South Hedland, 18 km away. It is also the site of the highest tonnage port in Australia.

Port Hedland has a natural deep anchorage harbour which, as well as being the main fuel and container receival point for the region, was seen as perfect for shipment of the iron ore being mined in the ranges located inland from the town. The ore is moved by railway lines from four major iron ore deposits to the east and south of Port Hedland area. In August 2010 the port exported 13.6 million tonnes of iron ore.

Other major resource activities supported by the town include the offshore natural gas fields, salt, manganese, and livestock. Grazing of cattle and sheep was formerly a major revenue earner for the region but this has slowly declined. Port Hedland was also formerly the terminus for the WAGR Marble Bar Railway which serviced the gold mining area of Marble Bar.

Residents from Pardoo to Whim Creek in the Pilbara have been told to stay indoors, with the approaching cyclone posing a threat to homes and lives.
Hedland resident Sarah Smith told Fairfax Media on Monday Christine, a category three cyclone, was expected to hit landfall about 11pm Monday.

“We should expect to go on red alert at 9am this morning with a landfall crossing expected about 11pm tonight,” Ms Smith said.

She said a yellow alert was issued about 6.30pm on Sunday which closed all Hedland businesses.

She said supermarket produce was low as residents rushed to stock up on supplies to get them through the impending red alert which prevented people leaving homes and secure buildings.

About the author

Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

Share to...