The city of Darwin has been left reeling after being pummelled by Severe Tropical Cyclone Fina, which unleashed destructive winds of up to 205km/h – the most powerful to strike the city since the deadly Cyclone Tracy in 1975.
A Trail of Destruction
The category three system passed the coast overnight, its gale-force winds leaving a significant path of damage. A section of the roof at the Royal Darwin Hospital was torn apart and collapsed on Saturday, with reports of water entering the building.
NT Police incident controller Emma Carter told ABC Radio Darwin that her first priority was to ensure all staff and patients were safe, confirming that this was the case. The damage was confined to a small section of ceiling, approximately four square metres on the first floor.
Across Darwin and the surrounding areas, residents were instructed by emergency authorities to remain in their homes or emergency shelters until given the all-clear. The streets were deserted as sweeping sheets of rain and high wind gusts kept everyone indoors.
Widespread Impact and Recovery Efforts
The cyclone's destructive power was captured in videos showing a powerline being ripped apart, causing a small explosion of sparks. Powerful winds also brought trees down across the city.
While there are no reports of injuries, power remains out across much of the region. Emergency shelters were opened in Darwin, nearby Palmerston, and adjacent rural areas, with people urged to bring their own bedding and food.
Authorities have confirmed that Australian Defence Force personnel are on stand-by to assist with the clean-up, and financial assistance will be made available to support local governments and communities in their recovery.
Cyclone Fina's Path and Future Threat
Now tracking west-south-west, Cyclone Fina is picking up strength over the Timor Sea and could intensify to a category four. There are concerns it could hit the top of Western Australia in the coming days.
A cyclone warning remains in place from Wadeye to Cape Hotham, including the Tiwi Islands and Darwin. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, conditions are forecast to ease through Sunday after the worst of the damaging winds lasted from about 6pm to midnight on Saturday.
