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Cyclone Seroja: Broome supermarkets run out of fresh fruit and vegetables due to flooding on major roads

Michael TraillThe West Australian
Chinatown Coles is running out of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Camera IconChinatown Coles is running out of fresh fruit and vegetables. Credit: Tom Zaunmayr/Broome Advertiser

Broome has emerged as an unsuspecting victim of cyclone Seroja, with supermarket shelves being stripped bare of fresh produce in the popular tourist destination.

Despite being more than 1,300km from the epicentre of Seroja’s destruction in Kalbarri, Broome has suffered from restricted freight movement due to flooded roads in the Pilbara and Kimberley.

Supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths have vowed to replenish depleted stock in their stores by Thursday afternoon.

A spokeswoman for Woolworths said emergency relief plans were now being enacted to ensure “key essentials” were being delivered.

“We have plenty of additional stock en route including water, fresh fruit and veg, long life milk and nappies,” she said.

A fresh food shortage has hit Broome in the wake of ex-tropical cyclone Seroja.
Camera IconA fresh food shortage has hit Broome in the wake of ex-tropical cyclone Seroja. Credit: Tom Zaunmayr/Broome Advertiser

“We thank the community for their support and encourage our customers to be mindful of others by purchasing only what they need.”

The spokeswoman said deliveries were expected to arrive in Broome, Karratha, Derby and Port Headland on Thursday morning.

The usual Monday truck of fruit and vegetables failed to reach Broome this week, according to the town’s acting Mayor Desiree Male.

But a Coles spokeswoman insisted fresh produce and perishable stock were being rushed into its stores in the region.

“A small number of Coles stores in the far north west had (delivery) delays due debris, trees and fallen powerlines,” they said.

“We are grateful to see road closures are now clearing and stock is due to arrive tonight or tomorrow midday.

“As always, we thank our customers for their patience due to the most recent unplanned disruption.”

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