Buildings damaged as Laurence charges inland
Posted by JAC on 12/21/2009, 2:44 pm
Emergency crews will have to wait until daybreak to determine the extent of the damage caused by Cyclone Laurence on Western Australia's north-west coast.

The cyclone has caused significant damage to buildings but at this stage there have been no reports of injuries.

Telephone services to the affected areas have been severely restricted and many roads have been closed.

A Fire and Emergency Service Authority (FESA) reconnaissance helicopter will be deployed from Broome to the Pilbara at first light to survey the area for damage.

FESA's operational manager Murray Bawden says some buildings have suffered significant damage.

"We have a report of substantial damage to the caravan park however no injuries to any persons and that's the critical aspect of it," he said.

"Sandfire Roadhouse has also reported some structural damage but other than that it's all good at the moment."

The latest update from the Bureau of Meteorology showed Cyclone Laurence about 30 kilometres south-east of Wallal and 235 kilometres east of Port Hedland.

It was still a category five system and wind gusts of up to 285 kilometres per hour were being felt near the cyclone centre.


Alert update

FESA says people in or near communities from Sandfire to Pardoo and inland to Yarrie and Marble Bar remain on red alert.

But people in communities between De Grey, Port Hedland and Bidyadanga have been advised that wind dangers have passed.

The next official FESA update will be at 12:00am AWST.

Emergency crews will be unable to respond to requests for help until red alerts are lifted.

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TC Laurence - Round 2 - JAC, 12/19/2009, 6:37 pm
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