Dimple Arora reports on the current issue and damage due to cyclone Ilsa.
The powerful Cyclone Ilsa made landfall in Western Australia on Monday, bringing strong winds and heavy rain to the region. The storm was rated as a Category 3 cyclone at its peak, causing damage to homes and infrastructure in the towns of Carnarvon and Exmouth. Thus, no fatalities or serious injuries were reported.
However, residents were advised to stay indoors and secure loose items as gusts of wind reached up to 185 kilometers per hour. Power outages were also reported in the affected areas, leaving many without electricity for several hours.
Authorities have warned that the cyclone could still bring more heavy rain and flooding, and have advised residents to remain cautious as the storm moves inland. Thus, The Western Australian government has activated its disaster response plan and emergency relief efforts are underway to assist those affected by the cyclone.
As cyclones are not uncommon in Western Australia, with the state experiencing an average of five per season. However, Cyclone Ilsa is the strongest storm to hit the region since 2015.
The cyclone comes as Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology predicts an above-average number of cyclones in the region this season, due to warmer ocean temperatures and other climate factors. However, the effects of climate change are also believed to be contributing to more extreme weather events and natural disasters around the world, including cyclones, hurricanes, and flooding.
As such, many are calling for urgent action to address the root causes of climate change and mitigate its impacts, both to protect people from the devastating effects of natural disasters like Cyclone Ilsa, and to safeguard the planet for future generations.
In the meantime, emergency services and community organizations will continue working around the clock to support those affected by Cyclone Ilsa, providing shelter, food, and medical assistance to those in need.