Cyclone Zelia Strikes: Unleashing Nature's Fury on Australia's Iron Coast

Tropical Cyclone Zelia hit Australia's west coast, impacting the largest iron ore hub with strong winds and heavy rain. The cyclone, initially a category five, weakened before hitting the population center. The storm caused port closures and disrupted mining operations, elevating iron ore prices amid supply concerns.

Tropical Cyclone Zelia has made a dramatic landfall on Australia's west coast, the world's largest iron ore hub, as per the weather bureau. It unleashed winds up to 290 kph and torrential rain, crossing east of Port Hedland as a menacing category five storm early Friday.

The cyclone later downgraded to a category four, fortunately sparing the town's population center from its fiercest winds. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology official Matthew Collopy described the cyclone as perilously dangerous, noting its significant ongoing impacts.

Ports including Port Hedland, Dampier, and Cape Lambert have shut down, disrupting mining giants like BHP and Rio Tinto. Meanwhile, iron ore prices rose due to anticipated supply disruptions. Residents have been advised to take shelter, with some supermarkets running out of essentials.