Northern Australia Cleans Up After Tropical Cyclone Fina Batters Region
Northern Australia is embarking on a significant cleanup effort following the passage of Tropical Cyclone Fina, which brought intense winds and heavy rainfall to the region. The storm, which rapidly intensified to a Category 3 cyclone, swept through the Northern Territory, primarily impacting the busy city of Darwin and the nearby Tiwi Islands, an archipelago located about 80km (50 miles) off the coast.
Widespread Damage and Community Resilience
Overnight, the cyclone unleashed destructive gusts reaching up to 110km (70 miles) per hour in the Tiwi Islands. The powerful winds tore down trees, damaged traffic lights, and caused extensive power outages. Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro reported that approximately 19,000 homes and businesses lost electricity in the 24 hours surrounding the cyclone's impact, with efforts now underway to restore services.
Despite the significant debris, including fallen trees and powerlines, Chief Minister Finocchiaro praised the community's resilience and preparedness. "In true territory spirit, neighbours are coming out with chainsaws and everyone’s chipping in," she stated, adding that the collective effort led to "largely minimal impact and no injuries," a testament to the region's unity.
Impact on Infrastructure and Recovery Efforts
Footage from the aftermath revealed scenes of heavy rain cascading from roofs and large trees toppling in residential areas. The Royal Darwin Hospital experienced a partial roof collapse, with bricks and debris scattering across a corridor. The Darwin airport, which was forced to close its operations on Saturday, successfully reopened on Sunday, signaling a step towards normalcy.
Cyclone's Trajectory and Climate Context
While the "very destructive core" of Cyclone Fina has now moved away from the Northern Territory, heavy rain and strong winds were expected to persist on Sunday. The cyclone is currently heading offshore towards Western Australia and is forecast to potentially re-intensify to a Category 4 storm. However, weather authorities believe it is unlikely to make landfall again, expecting it to gradually dissipate in the coming days.
The recent event has also reignited discussions about climate change, with researchers repeatedly highlighting its role in amplifying the risk of severe natural disasters like bushfires, floods, and cyclones. For many of Darwin's 140,000 residents, Cyclone Fina evoked haunting memories of Cyclone Tracy, a devastating storm that decimated much of the city on Christmas Day 1974, claiming 66 lives and standing as one of Australia’s worst natural disasters. The city's preparedness this time undoubtedly helped avert a similar catastrophe.
