Khaberni - Power was cut off to thousands of people in the Northern Territory of Australia today, Sunday, after a tropical cyclone brought devastating winds to the area, including the regional capital, Darwin, overnight.
The country's meteorological office stated that Cyclone Vina, a category three hurricane, was accompanied by winds reaching speeds of 205 kilometers per hour on Sunday, as it moved away from Darwin after passing through the city late Saturday as a "severe tropical cyclone."
The Northern Territory's Premier, Leah Finocchiaro, said that power had been cut to about 19,000 homes and businesses, and efforts were ongoing to restore it. Hurricane Vina also caused property damage and flooded roads, but did not result in injuries among residents.
Darwin International Airport, which was closed on Saturday as a precautionary measure due to the cyclone, said it "is working to resume operations as soon as it is safe."
The meteorological office mentioned that category three tropical cyclones, which are two levels below the highest risk category, typically cause damage to buildings, crops, trees, and lead to power outages.
The French Press Agency quoted meteorologist Angus Haynes as saying that the cyclone had moved away from the Northern Territory, but heavy rain and winds would continue on Sunday. The meteorology office predicted that it would gradually weaken in the coming days and would not reach land.
Residents of the Northern Territory regions went out to clean their streets after the cyclone which uprooted trees and traffic signs due to its fierce winds.
Researchers have warned that climate change will double the risk of natural disasters, such as wildfires, floods, and cyclones.
