Cyclone George

3 people have been confirmed dead so far, & there are scores injured or missing in the isolated mining camps south of Port Hedland, with widespread damage in South Hedland & Port Hedland itself. Winds reached 275 km per hour (172 mph) as it crossed the coast, about 30 km to the east of Port Hedland. It's still a category 3 as I type, & about 100 miles north from Newman (& Bazza), & Mt Tom Price. TC Jacob has done a 'u' turn, & is now heading straight for the Pilbara Coast of WA. This may compound clean-up operations over the weekend / next week.

The red cross hotline number for relatives is: 1800 810 710.

Flooded roads north & south are probably closed, until further notice. More than 40 people sheltered in the Pardoo Roadhouse, 150km north of Port Hedland, after driving became too dangerous.

The communities at Newman, Tom Price, Auski, West Angeles, Nullagine, Paraburdoo and Jigalong were placed on red alert and warned to move to shelter. (News.com.au)

More here

All other people inquiries should be directed to FESA on (03) 9323 9823.

Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) says it is considering calls to bring in the Army Reserve.

The Department for Community Development has opened its Disaster Response hotline for people in the Port Hedland area who have been affected by the cyclone. The Department says some residents may be eligible for emergency financial assistance to help with accommodation, food, essential clothing and personal items.

The number is 1800-032-965.

"Craig Allan Raabe, 42, of Gympie in Queensland, died yesterday in Sir Gairdner Hospital as a result of severe head injuries he recieved when ferocious winds from Cyclone George crushed his Donga.

Police report the man was an employee at the Fortescue Metals Group's RV1 camp.

A 74-year-old man, who is understood to have died from a suspected heart attack on Friday at the Indee station, about 60km south of Port Hedland, has been named by police as Sydney Desmond Baker."

"FMG said that as well as inquiries by Worksafe and the coroner it would investigate all aspects of the death of 47 year-old Lesmurdie woman Debra Till, a mother of two, who was employed at the mining camp as a cleaner."