Exports halted as cyclone sweeps over Pilbara

<p>Western Australia’s northwest coast has shut down oil production, railway lines, ports and airports, halting mining exports as a result of Tropical Cyclone Clare, which bore down on the Pilbara region overnight, passing close to the port of Dampier and the town of Karratha.</p> <p>The Pilbara’s lucrative iron ore operations remain on high alert today (Tuesday, January 10) after warnings of heavy rain and flooding associated with the category three cyclone. </p> <p>BHP Billiton, Santos, Woodside and Chevron shut down offshore oil rigs yesterday, and ports at Dampier and Port Hedland were closed. </p> <p>It is being reported that the cyclone has knocked out all telephone services to the Pilbara region. </p> <p>All landline, mobile and internet services to the area had been cut off by the cyclone, with emergency workers using satellite phones and local radio stations to update residents.</p> <p>The cyclone was originally expected to hit Dampier but entered the coast of Western Australia to the southwest of the town and is now moving further inland in a southwesterly direction.</p> <p>No injuries have been reported.</p> <p>Gusts of up to 185 km&#47h lashed the coast this morning. The Bureau of Meteorology said Clare was moving southwest towards the Pannawonica and Gascoyne regions at 3 am (WST), and was expected to ease gradually.</p> <p>Flooding was now the main concern, with severe thunderstorms, flash floods and tidal surges expected.</p> <br />