Cyclone Luana: Popular resort left serious damaged by ex-tropical storm as community faces clean-up

Parts of a popular beach resort in WA’s Kimberley region have been seriously damaged as authorities clean up the aftermath of ex-Tropical Cyclone Luana.

The Category Two cyclone hit the Kimberley’s Dampier Peninsula about 2pm on Saturday, before moving southeast and weakening to a tropical low south of Derby on Sunday morning.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services on Sunday said the cyclone was continuing to weaken as it moved inland at about 7km/h.

“The remnant tropical low will continue to move south over inland Western Australia for the next several days, bringing areas of heavy rain to the interior,” a spokesperson said.

Amongst the damage was Mercedes Cove Exclusive Coastal Retreat — located about 180km north of Broome — with one of its properties experiencing significant damage.

Shocking photographs posted to social media show parts of its roof completely caved in, with insulation and debris scattered on the floor.

“Unfortunately our little home was all but destroyed in the cyclone yesterday,” a spokesperson said on Facebook.

“We are heartbroken, this house holds so many precious memories for not only our family, children, grandchildren and friends but all of our guests over the years who may have popped in for a drink or a chat or to borrow some ice, a tea bag or to just sit and yarn.

DFES Kimberley Superintendent Leon Gardiner said he was aware of structural damage to the resort, but said emergency support had “not been requested at this time”.

Supt. Gardiner said the cyclone damage was mainly concentrated to Derby, with 12 call-outs for fallen trees blocking or leaning on homes.

“Derby and Broome State Emergency Service volunteers are responding to those requests and making the area safe, including clearing vegetation and fallen trees,” he said on Sunday.

He said 13 minimum security Section 95 prisoners from West Kimberley Regional Prison were also assisting SES officers in the cleanup, and thanked the entire community for “playing their part to prepare and look out for each other”.

“This support from the Department of Justice is helping us fast-track our progress to make the area safe for the community,” he said on Sunday.

“This is the third cyclone to impact the Kimberley coast since November, with Cyclone Hayley also impacting the Dampier Peninsula just a few weeks ago.

“The cyclone has now weakened to a tropical low but it will take several days to move south through the Kimberley, Pilbara and southern interior and could bring heavy rainfall and flooding to those areas this week.”

The Bureau of Meteorology warned of heavy rainfall and damaging wind gusts up to 90km/h in the North Interior.

“Heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding is likely around southern parts of the Kimberley and the North Interior later during Monday,” a spokesperson said.

“Heavy rainfall is expected to clear the Kimberley during the day on Monday, and extend to the South Interior later from Monday evening, and to northern Eucla on Tuesday. 6-hourly totals between 70 and 120mm are likely.”