Tropical Cyclone Fina

Darwin Races to Prepare as cyclone Fina Approaches

Darwin, NT – A fuel tanker is ‍urgently offloading its cargo as Tropical Cyclone​ Fina rapidly approaches the‍ Northern Territory coast, threatening to disrupt supply chains and possibly ⁣isolate‌ communities. Together,⁢ cattle stations are scrambling to move⁢ livestock to higher ground and secure shipments before potential ⁣flooding and road‌ closures.

The impending cyclone⁢ is forcing‍ a logistical rush to ensure essential supplies and livestock can be moved before conditions deteriorate. The Bureau of Meteorology’s latest track ​map indicates Fina⁤ is forecast to make landfall near Minjilang,then pass ‍between ⁢the Tiwi Islands and Darwin. The timing is critical as two⁣ cattle ships are due to ​arrive in Darwin⁣ within⁢ the⁣ next ‍seven to nine days,creating a narrow‌ window for producers to deliver their stock.

Cattle producer Mr. Underwood, speaking to ‍ABC rural while moving 6,000 head of cattle off Litchfield Station, ⁢explained​ the urgency. “We’ve ‍got two cattle ships [due into Darwin] ⁤ in‍ about ⁤seven, eight or nine days’ time,” he said. “There’s a little window here to get these cattle out, or they might be behind water or broken roads for a couple of weeks, so we’re in ​a bit of a hurry.”

So far, 1,000 cattle were⁢ moved off the station ⁤last night and another 3,200 were trucked today, ‌utilizing 13 triple road-trains before lunch and‌ a ⁢further five this afternoon. Mr.Underwood acknowledged the increased​ pressure on export yards, ⁢stating, “Obviously we’re going to​ put a little bit of pressure⁤ on the export yards, particularly if they end up getting ‍a direct hit. But I know the yards have all got their plans. We’re confident ‍the cattle will be well looked‌ after and at least‌ we ⁤know that we can ⁤load them on ships ⁤when we ⁣need them.”