Port closures and regional evacuations underway as the storm intensifies.
**Tropical Cyclone Zelia Threatens to Impact Significant Australian Ports and Mining Operations**
**Tropical Cyclone Zelia Threatens to Impact Significant Australian Ports and Mining Operations**
Destructive winds and heavy rain forecast as major cyclone approaches northwest Australia.
The town of Port Hedland has shut down all public services and facilities as Tropical Cyclone Zelia approaches the region.
By Yan Zhuang
Feb. 13, 2025, 2:57 a.m. ET
Tropical Cyclone Zelia is speeding towards the Pilbara region in northwestern Australia, where it is anticipated to unleash damaging winds and rainfall on an area critical to the global mining and export industries. On Thursday morning, meteorologists reported that the cyclone had reached sustained winds of 127 miles per hour, with expectations of possible hurricane-strength gusts of up to 180 miles per hour as it nears landfall late Friday. This categorization places Zelia at the highest risk level on Australia’s tropical cyclone scale.
Meteorologist Angus Hines from Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology stated, “This storm doesn’t get worse. It’s extremely severe.” The Pilbara region, though largely uninhabited and desert-like, serves as Australia’s key mining sector, holding vital iron ore mines operated by major companies such as Rio Tinto, Fortescue Metals, and BHP. Currently, critical ports in the region have been forced to cease operations.
As the cyclone approaches, immediate preparations are underway. Port Hedland, recognized as one of the world’s largest iron ore export hubs, suspended all operational activities on Wednesday and is deeply impacted by the storm's trajectory. Additionally, other ports, including Dampier Port utilized by Rio Tinto and the Varanus Island processing hub, are slated for closure as of Thursday afternoon.
Rio Tinto has announced the suspension of its salt extraction activities in the affected ports, proactively evacuating vessels and transport services. The expected landfall location falls between Karratha—a town of approximately 22,000 people—and Port Hedland, which is home to nearly 16,000 residents. Authorities have reported regional school closures, halted public transport, and the closing of numerous major roads, businesses, and parks in anticipation of severe weather conditions.
Yan Zhuang is a reporter based in Seoul for The Times, focusing on urgent breaking news stories.
By Yan Zhuang
Feb. 13, 2025, 2:57 a.m. ET
Tropical Cyclone Zelia is speeding towards the Pilbara region in northwestern Australia, where it is anticipated to unleash damaging winds and rainfall on an area critical to the global mining and export industries. On Thursday morning, meteorologists reported that the cyclone had reached sustained winds of 127 miles per hour, with expectations of possible hurricane-strength gusts of up to 180 miles per hour as it nears landfall late Friday. This categorization places Zelia at the highest risk level on Australia’s tropical cyclone scale.
Meteorologist Angus Hines from Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology stated, “This storm doesn’t get worse. It’s extremely severe.” The Pilbara region, though largely uninhabited and desert-like, serves as Australia’s key mining sector, holding vital iron ore mines operated by major companies such as Rio Tinto, Fortescue Metals, and BHP. Currently, critical ports in the region have been forced to cease operations.
As the cyclone approaches, immediate preparations are underway. Port Hedland, recognized as one of the world’s largest iron ore export hubs, suspended all operational activities on Wednesday and is deeply impacted by the storm's trajectory. Additionally, other ports, including Dampier Port utilized by Rio Tinto and the Varanus Island processing hub, are slated for closure as of Thursday afternoon.
Rio Tinto has announced the suspension of its salt extraction activities in the affected ports, proactively evacuating vessels and transport services. The expected landfall location falls between Karratha—a town of approximately 22,000 people—and Port Hedland, which is home to nearly 16,000 residents. Authorities have reported regional school closures, halted public transport, and the closing of numerous major roads, businesses, and parks in anticipation of severe weather conditions.
Yan Zhuang is a reporter based in Seoul for The Times, focusing on urgent breaking news stories.
