Northwest Australia braced for second cyclone

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2007

SYDNEY (AFP) — Residents of Australia's storm-battered northwest on Sunday braced for more destruction as another maelstrom approached land, days after a powerful cyclone claimed two lives.

Authorities warned that Cyclone Jacob would hit Western Australia's Pilbara coast late Sunday, an area still reeling after category-four Cyclone George killed two, injured 28 and paralysed mining operations last week.

However Jacob was unlikely to pack the same punch as George, with the weather bureau downgrading the newcomer to category two after observing signs the system was weakening.

A number of north-western communities were placed on alert, according to Western Australia emergency services spokesman Murray Bawden.

Prime Minister John Howard offered the...