Residents across Australia’s Northern Territory have started clearing streets and repairing damage after Tropical Cyclone Fina brought intense winds and heavy rain overnight, tearing down trees, traffic lights, and causing widespread power outages.

The cyclone, which rapidly intensified to a Category 3 storm, swept through on Saturday night between Darwin and the Tiwi Islands, an archipelago approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) off the coast. Wind gusts reached up to 110 km/h (70 mph) in the region.

Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro reported that approximately 19,000 homes and businesses lost power in the past 24 hours, and restoration efforts are ongoing. She noted that debris, including fallen trees and downed powerlines, created hazards for residents.

“In true territory spirit, neighbours are coming out with chainsaws and everyone’s chipping in,” Finocchiaro said during a televised news conference from Darwin. “This cyclone saw a territory that was united and prepared for what was to come, and as a result, we’ve seen largely minimal impact and no injuries.”

Footage from Darwin showed sheets of rain pouring from roofs, while large trees toppled into backyards and streets. Part of the roof at Royal Darwin Hospital collapsed, scattering bricks and debris across a corridor.

The Darwin Airport, which was forced to shut on Saturday, reopened on Sunday.

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Angus Hines said that while the cyclone’s “very destructive core” has moved away from the Northern Territory, heavy rain and winds are expected to continue on Sunday. Fina is now moving offshore toward Western Australia, where forecasts indicate it could intensify to a Category 4 storm. Authorities added that the cyclone is unlikely to make landfall and will gradually dissipate in the coming days.

Researchers have highlighted that climate change is increasing the intensity and frequency of natural disasters such as bushfires, floods, and cyclones, making storms like Fina more destructive.

For Darwin residents, the cyclone also brought back memories of Cyclone Tracy, which devastated the city on Christmas Day 1974, killing 66 people and causing one of Australia’s worst natural disasters.

As cleanup operations continue, local authorities have urged residents to exercise caution while removing debris and restoring power to homes and businesses. (ILKHA)