22 April 2021
Following Tropical Cyclone Seroja, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is providing support to cyclone-affected communities of Western Australia (WA). This support is being provided following a request from the WA Government and Emergency Management Australia.
On April 22, about 60 ADF personnel were supporting recovery efforts around Kalbarri and Northampton, including removing debris, general clean-up tasks and delivery of stores.
On April 21, ADF personnel returned to Northampton to complete clean-up activities in the area.
On April 20, about 65 ADF personnel were supporting clean-up and recovery efforts. An ADF team focused on clean-up in the township of Perenjori, southeast of Geraldton.
On April 19, Defence will transport up to five State Emergency Service vehicles – including trucks and four wheel drives – from Melbourne to Geraldton on a C-17A Globemaster III.
On April 16, around 65 ADF personnel were supporting recovery activities at Northampton and Kalbarri. Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Defence Industry Minister, Melissa Price, inspected damage from Cyclone Seroja in Kalbarri.
On April 15, about 60 ADF personnel cleared debris and conducted other cyclone recovery tasks at two schools in Northampton and at other local infrastructure.
The C-130J transported WA DFES personnel from Perth to Geraldton.
On April 14, more than 50 ADF personnel arrived in Geraldton to support the WA DFES. An emergency accommodation centre for 100 people was established at Geraldton.
On April 13, the C-130J transported eight emergency services personnel and two vehicles from RAAF Base Perth to Geraldton to assist cyclone-affected communities.
On April 12, a damage assessment team of six personnel from Army’s Perth-based 13th Brigade and Pilbara regiment travelled to Kalbarri, and liaised with WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) staff.
On April 12, a C-130J Hercules military transport aircraft was relocated from RAAF Base Richmond to RAAF Base Pearce, with an ADF Medical Crisis Assessment Team, allowing it to be in place to support to the WA Government as needed.
The C-130J is providing support to emergency services through the movement of personnel and supplies to communities in need, including food, water and generators. It will also be capable of moving casualties back to civilian hospitals for treatment, if required.
Defence has a range of capabilities able to support state and territory-led response relief and recovery operations, which are provided through Defence Assistance to the Civil Community (DACC) processes.
Defence is proud to continue to support Australian communities during times of need.
