Port Hedland launches an online portal designed to give community real-time information during cyclones

In a move designed to help save lives, the Town of Port Hedland has launched a Disaster Dashboard that provides residents with real-time updates on extreme weather events. The online portal, which was launched on Monday, features interactive maps, weather warnings, information on road closures, utility outages and fire danger ratings. The site collates data from Emergency WA, Main Roads and the Bureau of Meteorology. Given extreme weather events frequently occur along WA’s north west coast, Mayor Peter Carter said it was important residents had accurate and timely information to ensure their own safety. “The Pilbara coast between Broome and Exmouth is the most cyclone-prone in Australia, and with Port Hedland’s transient population it is crucial people are aware of the risks of cyclones,” he said. “The Disaster Dashboard is a wonderful tool that gives people access to vital information to stay safe and be informed during emergencies – especially in cyclones. “We are confident the Disaster Dashboard will be well utilised by the community during cyclones and other emergencies, as well as just to gain information about road closures or weather warnings.” The move comes just six months after category five severe tropical cyclone Ilsa made landfall 120km north-east of Port Hedland. While major centres like Port Hedland and Broome were largely unharmed by the cyclone, the 288km/h winds destroyed the Pardoo Roadhouse and Tavern. Information flyers on the new dashboard will be sent to every home and will include a QR code to access the portal. The dashboard has been in the works for the past three months and its launch date was targeted to pre-empt the cyclone season which starts November 1.