Exmouth Reels from Cyclone’s Fury: Massive Cleanup Underway After Devastating Storm
The vibrant tourist town of Exmouth, a gateway to the iconic Ningaloo Reef, is confronting a monumental cleanup operation following the brutal impact of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle. The powerful storm system, which made landfall as a Category 3 system near Coral Bay on Friday afternoon, unleashed a torrent of rain and ferocious gale-force winds, leaving a trail of destruction across the region.
The sheer force of Cyclone Narelle has left residents and authorities assessing the extensive damage. Roads were rendered impassable in all directions, with Exmouth receiving a staggering 350 millimetres of rain from Friday evening. Compounding the misery, wind gusts were recorded at an alarming 250 kilometres per hour. The local airport also sustained significant damage, leading to flight cancellations and further isolating the community.
Boats moored in the harbour bore the brunt of the storm’s fury, with many capsized or severely damaged. Tragically, several trawlers, mere weeks away from commencing the highly anticipated prawn season, were among the vessels battered and broken by the cyclone’s onslaught.
Wildlife Woes Amidst the Wreckage
Beyond the structural damage, the ecological impact of Cyclone Narelle has deeply concerned local conservation groups. They have issued urgent appeals to the community, urging residents to remain vigilant and report any injured wildlife encountered in the aftermath. The Ningaloo coastline, renowned for its biodiversity, has witnessed “devastating scenes,” according to Balu Blue, a local conservation organisation.
In a poignant Instagram post on Saturday evening, Balu Blue shared harrowing footage depicting “countless seabirds… many turtle hatchlings, fish, sea snakes, eels, crustaceans and so much more” washed ashore. The organisation described the Nyinggulu coastline as “severely impacted” and expressed heartbreak over the damage inflicted upon the delicate reef ecosystem and its inhabitants.
“Some species washed in you don’t see much while out in the water,” Balu Blue lamented. “Our heart is breaking for the beautiful reef and our wildlife.” The group confirmed they had assisted in returning some animals to the sea and had taken in numerous injured creatures for care.
Infrastructure Crippled, Power Outages Persist
The cyclone’s destructive path tore through Exmouth, ripping off roofs, uprooting trees, and inundating homes. Power outages became a widespread reality, plunging many residents into darkness for the third consecutive night by Saturday. While regional provider Horizon Power worked tirelessly, by Sunday morning, power had been restored to 250 customers in Exmouth. The majority of residents in Carnarvon also had their power reconnected, with only 44 homes remaining in the dark.
Horizon Power acknowledged the significant damage and stated that additional crews were being deployed to assist local teams. However, they cautioned that restoration times were uncertain due to the extensive damage on the ground, with some areas potentially facing prolonged outages. The company temporarily removed its power outage map from its website due to the prevailing uncertainty.
Roads Closed, Water Levels High
By Sunday morning, several key roads remained impassable due to severe water inundation. The Great Northern Highway, North West Coastal Highway, and Indian Ocean Drive were all affected, highlighting the widespread flooding caused by the cyclone’s deluge. The State Emergency Service (SES) fielded numerous calls for assistance across the region, with Exmouth being the epicentre of these requests.
Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm emphasised the significant volume of water covering the Northwest Cape and extending as far south as Carnarvon. He urged the public to exercise patience regarding road access, warning that it would take a considerable amount of time for the floodwaters to recede.
Government Support and Relief Efforts
Exmouth Shire President Matthew Niikkula reported “extensive damage” to the town, with a number of residents also facing disruptions to their running water supply. Positively, he confirmed that no injuries had been reported as a direct result of the storm.
Western Australian Premier Roger Cook reassured the affected community, stating, “we’ve got your back, and help is coming.” He announced his intention to travel to the Gascoyne region on Monday to personally meet with those impacted.
To aid in the recovery, relief payments ranging from $1000 to $4000 will be made available to assist with accommodation, essential food purchases, and emergency transport. “The worst appears to be behind us,” Premier Cook noted, as heavy rainfall and damaging winds were no longer forecast for the state’s south, allowing vital resources to be redirected north to support the recovery efforts.
Damage Assessment Underway
The full extent of the structural damage is still being tallied. In Exmouth alone, four structures have been completely destroyed, with seven others sustaining severe damage, 12 experiencing moderate damage, and eight reporting slight damage. These figures are expected to rise as further assessments are conducted throughout Sunday.
Beyond the town, 30 pastoral properties in the wider region have reported extensive damage. The agricultural sector in and around Carnarvon has also suffered significant crop losses, adding another layer to the economic impact of Cyclone Narelle.
