INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY ON THE COAST PREPARES FOR CYCLONE

Storm clouds approach over Bidyadanga in the lead-up to Cyclone Isla. Credit: Tynarra and Terrence, Facebook.

Yesterday, DFES held a community meeting in Bidyadanga to discuss cyclone preparations as Ilsa approaches. 

The remote Aboriginal community on the coast between Port Hedland and Broome is getting ready to take shelter as damaging winds and heavy rainfall are expected. 

The cyclone system is moving south and the risk to Bidyadanga is lessening, but the Bureau of Meteorology has said destructive winds with gusts up to 155 kilometers per hour may develop this afternoon or evening.

Vulnerable community members have been evacuated from the area and between 600 and 700 people are expected to shelter throughout the cyclone.

Bidyadanga has moved into ‘Yellow Alert’, meaning residents should be prepared to act.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services Incident Controller Glenn Haull said that means “the community needs to get ready to take shelter.”