CLEAN-UP operations are underway in the Pilbara after the category 4 Cyclone Damien made its presence felt across the region on February 7.
Ports servicing Roy Hill, Rio Tinto, and FMG Iron Ore operations at Dampier and Ashburton went into cyclone preparation mode and shut as the cyclone passed, with the port at Port Hedland remaining closed for 25 hours.
Roy Hill and FMG mines received the least of the storm, with Rio Tinto’s port, rail and mine network situated in the direct path of the storm.
A report from the company said that it is supporting recovery efforts alongside DFES.
Further disruptions were hoped to be avoided as heavy rain continued to fall.
The towns of Karratha and Dampier received the fullest force from the massive weather event, with the 200kmh winds leaving roofs lost and significant tree damage occurring.
Emergency services were quick to begin assessing the damage.
No injuries or loss of life were reported as a result of Cyclone Damien.
Horizon Power reported that most of their customers had had their power restored after two days, after 9500 were left without electricity as the cyclone crossed.
Heavy rainfall was felt across the region, including the airports servicing mining operations.
Bureau of Meteorology media and communications manager Neil Bennett said the cyclone was expected to weaken as it moved south.
It was downgraded to tropical cyclone intensity during Sunday afternoon.
Damien was the strongest cyclone since 2013 to make landfall, with winds of 205kph but was downgraded to a cyclone 2 as it made its way across to the east coast, where it quenched many of the ongoing bush fires.
Mining operations between Port Hedland and Onslow were also expected to receive heavy rain and strong winds.
