Thousands of residents in Australia’s Northern Territory were left without power on Sunday after a tropical cyclone swept through the region, bringing destructive winds that struck the capital, Darwin, overnight.
The Bureau of Meteorology said that Cyclone Vinah, a category-three storm, brought wind speeds of up to 205 kilometers per hour as it moved away from Darwin on Sunday, after passing over the city late Saturday as a “severe tropical cyclone.”
Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said that around 19,000 homes and businesses lost electricity, adding that teams are working to restore power as quickly as possible. She noted that the cyclone caused property damage and flooded several roads, but no injuries were reported.
Darwin International Airport — which was closed on Saturday as a precaution — announced that it will resume operations once conditions are deemed safe.
The Bureau of Meteorology explained that category-three tropical cyclones, two levels below the highest danger rating, typically cause significant damage to buildings, crops, and trees and often lead to power outages.
Agence France-Presse quoted meteorologist Angus Hines as saying that the cyclone has begun moving away from the Northern Territory, though heavy rain and strong winds will continue through Sunday. The system is expected to weaken gradually in the coming days without making landfall again.
After the cyclone passed, residents stepped out to clear streets littered with fallen trees and downed traffic signs.
Researchers have warned that climate change is increasing the risk of natural disasters such as wildfires, floods, and cyclones.
