Cyclone Zelia is headed for Western Australia

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Tropical Cyclone Zelia is inexorably approaching mainland Western Australia in the Pilbara region. Category five cyclones have the ability to cause widespread destruction. Meteorologists had warned of the cyclone several days in advance so there was enough time to close the seaports. Rescue service workers, firefighters and police officers are also on standby.

According to local authorities Cyclone Zelia is moving very slowly and is expected to make landfall on the Australian mainland late Friday night. The affected area is home to major ports used for importing commodities, including iron ore. At the same time this area is a processing hub for oil and natural gas supplies.

Western Australia Fire and Emergency Services chief Darren Klemm is urging citizens to follow the advice of emergency services in the Pilbara. If expectations come true property damage will be high as there are no signs of the cyclone losing strength yet. Significant weakening is likely to occur several hundred kilometers deep in Western Australia.

The place where the cyclone will make landfall will most likely be the Port Hedland area which holds the status of the world's largest iron ore export point. There are a number of older buildings that may not withstand the cyclone.

Tropical cyclones of the fifth category accompany blowing speeds of over 280 kilometers per hour. In addition to strong winds, Cyclone Zelia will also bring heavy rainfall. Rainfall of 80 to 100 millimeters has already been recorded in the area, and the intensity will increase in the coming hours. This will result in flash floods and river flooding in many places, which will pose the greatest danger to most residents. In time, the authorities called on all residents living in caravans or old unmaintained houses to move to the nearest evacuation center.

Source:Aljazeera