Darwin, the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory, is grappling with the aftermath of Cyclone Fina, which recently lashed the region with destructive winds and heavy rainfall. As a category three cyclone, Fina brought wind gusts reaching up to 205 kph (127 mph), prompting widespread chaos and memories of past disasters.
Impact on Darwin International Airport
The cyclone forced Darwin International Airport to close its doors on Saturday, and authorities are working diligently to re-establish operations safely. In an official statement, the airport noted, “Strong prevailing winds and heavy rain continue,” urging people to stay informed and cautious.
Precautions and Emergency Measures
- Residents are advised to avoid downed powerlines.
- Emergency agency SecureNT emphasized, “Now is not the time to be sightseeing.”
- The local Power and Water Corporation is conducting assessments, but the total number of outages remains unclear as of now.
A Reminder of Past Disasters
For many residents, the cyclone brings back haunting memories of Cyclone Tracy from Christmas Day 1974, which devastated the city and claimed 66 lives. With a population of around 140,000, Darwin has opened old wounds as it faces another potentially damaging storm.
Weather Warnings and Future Outlook
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely. As per the Bureau of Meteorology, residents were warned to be prepared for further weather impacts. The cyclone did not make landfall, but it significantly affected surrounding areas, particularly the Tiwi Islands and Cape Hotham, before moving on.
In March, ex-tropical cyclone Alfred had already wreaked havoc in neighbouring Queensland, causing school closures and extensive power outages.