Damage from 'Thelma'

Damage from Severe Tropical Cyclone 'Thelma'

damage at Troughton Island Damage inside one of the structures at Troughton Island

Building and contents damage at Troughton Island, off the Kimberley coast. (Photos: Coastwatch & Bureau of Meteorology)

Although Severe Tropical Cyclone Thelma had a significant impact on people's activities around the northwest coast of the Northern Territory and in the Kimberley region, the damage caused by such an intense cyclone was relatively slight. All residents of major communities and offshore installations directly affected by the cyclone were either evacuated or were able to shelter in secure accommodation.

In the Tiwi Islands, the main impact was disruption to communications and power supplies - the telephone service throughout the Tiwi Islands was disabled for over 24 hours; radio and TV reception was impeded by heavy rain and lightning, and the power supply in Pirlangimpi (Garden Point) was cut by falling trees. Extensive damage to vegetation occurred in exposed areas around northern Bathurst Island and northwestern Melville Island. A 3-4 metre rise in water level was reported in Milikapiti (Snake Bay) where waves rose 2-3 metres above highest astronomical tide level causing minor coastal erosion. In Pirlangimpi, many large trees were blown down, one car was crushed and several houses were slightly damaged. In Nguiu (Bathurst Island Township) some trees were blown down but no significant damage was reported.

In the Darwin area, minor damage to houses and minor disruption to power supplies occurred from falling trees. Record 24 hour (425 mm at Howard Springs) and 48 hour (432 mm at Darwin Airport) rainfall totals caused local flooding in the rural areas around Darwin, isolating some areas. The Port of Darwin was closed during the cyclone, schools were closed for one day and public cyclone shelters were opened on Tuesday night for people who felt insecure in their place of residence.

In the Kimberley region, there was minor damage to some buildings at Kalumburu and water in the river rose to within 50 metres of the town. The BHP facilities at Troughton Island were affected by very destructive winds and heavy rainfall, damaging the runway and buildings. Pearling facilities at Vansittart Bay and Kuri Bay received only minor damage (mainly to floating pontoons).