Arabic version: ظهور عريضة بشأن الارتباك في نظام تحذير الأعاصير في بيلبارا

Residents of Karratha, Western Australia, have initiated a petition calling for improvements to the state’s emergency warning system following confusion during ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle last month. During the cyclone, an Emergency warning was issued for Dampier, while Karratha, located just 15 kilometres away, remained under a Watch and Act alert. According to ABC News, this discrepancy has raised concerns among residents regarding the adequacy of the current system.

Karratha resident Kristie Grabenhofer spearheaded the petition after witnessing what she described as “very dangerous” conditions during the cyclone. She noted that despite the severe weather, residents were allowed to continue their daily activities, which she found troubling. The petition has since attracted over 500 signatures, including support from the City of Karratha’s mayor.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) stated that Karratha did not meet the criteria for an Emergency warning during the cyclone. This explanation has not satisfied many residents, who argue that the criteria applied are inconsistent and do not accurately reflect the dangers posed by severe weather events. Grabenhofer emphasized the need for a clearer and more uniform approach to emergency warnings in the region.

The introduction of the new Australian Warning System (AWS) in 2024, intended to standardize alerts for natural disasters, has been met with frustration from the community. Many residents feel that the previous colour-coded system was more understandable. City of Karratha Mayor Daniel Scott echoed these sentiments, asserting that the community has never felt this unsafe due to perceived inconsistencies in decision-making during emergencies.

DFES Deputy Commissioner Craig Waters defended the warning system, explaining that the levels are based on expected impacts of wind rather than isolated gusts. He clarified that while Karratha experienced destructive wind gusts of 124km/h, they did not exceed the threshold required for an Emergency warning. Waters also stated that businesses should make their own decisions regarding closures during emergencies, further complicating the situation for residents seeking clear guidance during high-stress events like cyclones.