Cyclone Zelia Disrupts WA Supply Chains and Causes Record Flooding

The category four cyclone forced port closures, flooded major freight routes, and left communities and businesses assessing economic and logistical impacts.

• Port Hedland, a critical hub for Australia’s iron ore exports, resumed operations after a four-day closure due to Cyclone Zelia, with estimated economic losses exceeding $1.2 billion.
• Flooding from record-breaking rainfall has cut off the Great Northern Highway, leaving towns like Broome with empty supermarket shelves and disrupted supply chains.
• Experts warn the cyclone's economic ripple effects could reach $4.8 billion globally due to the interconnected nature of maritime trade and supply chains.
• Pastoral stations and inland communities, including Marble Bar, report significant property damage and ongoing isolation, with cattle losses expected in flood-affected areas.
• Authorities have activated freight subsidy schemes and rerouted supplies through alternate routes to restock essential goods in impacted regions.

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