Cyclone Fina Hit Darwin Hard Airport Closed, Power Outages, Stay Safe

A powerful tropical cyclone named Fina hit Darwin, a city in Australia’s Northern Territory, causing widespread disruption and damage. The cyclone struck late on Saturday, November 22, bringing strong winds and heavy rain to the area. Fina was classified as a category three cyclone, with wind gusts reaching up to 205 kilometers per hour as it moved away from Darwin on Sunday, November 23.

Due to safety concerns, Darwin International Airport remained closed on Sunday as officials worked to restore safe operations. The airport warned that strong winds and heavy rain were still affecting the region. Residents were urged by emergency services to avoid downed power lines and not to go sightseeing amid the ongoing dangers.

The city of Darwin, home to around 140,000 people, faced memories of the devastating Cyclone Tracy from 1974, which caused massive destruction and loss of life. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported this time, but some homes and local infrastructure suffered damage. Power outages occurred across the city, though officials were still assessing the full extent of the impact.

Local power and water authorities started damage inspections early on Sunday to identify affected areas and begin repairs. Category three cyclones like Fina can cause significant damage to buildings, crops, trees, and lead to power failures.

This event follows earlier weather disruptions in Australia, such as ex-tropical cyclone Alfred, which impacted Queensland in March and caused school closures and power outages. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, prioritizing public safety and the restoration of services in Darwin.