A devastating storm with winds of up to 113km/h tore through the small town of Marble Bar in Western Australia, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
The storm, which hit the Pilbara region on Thursday at around 6:15pm, destroyed six homes and damaged 10 others, with residents forced to take shelter as the dangerous winds ripped through the area.
The Aftermath
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services quickly responded to the disaster, with crews on site to provide assistance to affected residents.
The spokesman for the department warned residents to be cautious when examining damage to their properties, citing concerns about potential asbestos contamination due to the town’s age.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.
Power Restored, But Concerns Remain
While power has been restored to many residents, some are still without electricity, with a Horizon Power crew working to restore services to the remaining affected areas.
The storm also sparked concern among residents, with some taking to social media to express frustration at receiving warnings too late.
“Wow, mini tornado just came through Marble Bar, roofs off houses, power lines down, and debris over the roads. Alerts 30 minutes too late,” one resident commented.
Community Comes Together
Despite the devastation, the community is coming together to support those affected.
“Hope everyone is safe right now, spare a thought tonight for families who lost their houses,” another resident posted on social media.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of timely warnings and emergency preparedness, especially in remote areas prone to extreme weather events.