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WA’s North West expected to be battered by Cyclone Seroja, which killed more than 150 people in Indonesia

Michael TraillThe West Australian
WA’s North West will be battered by heavy rain and winds from Thursday.
Camera IconWA’s North West will be battered by heavy rain and winds from Thursday. Credit: Bureau of Meteorology

WA’s North West is bracing to be battered by a tropical cyclone that has killed more than 150 people in Indonesia and neighbouring Timor-Leste.

Tropical Cyclone Seroja is being fuelled by another tropical low that has developed off WA’s coast, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

It is expected to develop into a severe category three cyclone later this week.

Rain and strong winds are predicted to hit WA’s North West from Thursday afternoon.

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The cyclone is expected to stay offshore.

“People living, working and visiting the area from Onslow to Coral Bay, including Exmouth, are urged to prepare for cyclone activity,” a Bureau spokeswoman said.

Floods and landslides, triggered by Tropical Cyclone Seroja, have killed more than 150 people in Indonesia and Timor-Leste since Sunday.

Soldiers and police officers assist residents to cross a flooded road in Malaka Tengah, East Nusa Tenggara province, Indonesia.
Camera IconSoldiers and police officers assist residents to cross a flooded road in Malaka Tengah, East Nusa Tenggara province, Indonesia. Credit: AP

The death toll in the eastern Indonesian province of East Nusa Tenggara has risen to more than 120 alone.

“At least 128 died during the extreme weather phenomenon in several places,” a spokesman for Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency said.

The death toll includes 67 people who died in a rain-triggered avalanche of debris from the Lewatolo volcano on Lembata island on Sunday, according to the spokesman.

Another 49 people were killed on nearby Adonara island and 12 died on neighbouring Alor island, the disaster agency said.

Emergency teams are providing assistance to thousands affected, including about 8000 evacuees.

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