Cyclone Narelle Devastates WA Tourism, Strands Workers

0:00X Tropical Cyclone, Narell slammed into Western Australia's north, wrecking roads and airports in Exmouth and Coral Bay. These key tourist spots are now shut to visitors right before peak season, forcing businesses to halt operations and layoff casual workers. Damage hit hard, with resorts like Mansoura's Ningaloo Beach Resort closing after major storm harm, clean up drags on, and with no tourists coming in, companies fear slimmer recovery months ahead, especially around Easter or Anzac Day. Backpackers on working holiday visas feel the pinch most. They're the lifeblood of these towns, but now jobless and stranded. A UK visitor named Ava McNabbolo lost her new gig and sits nervous with few ways out, while Italian workers wait in Karnarvan, debating pricey. Helicopter rides north amid flooded roads. Some bosses step up morally, like Exmouth Adventure companies, Hal Payne, paying 10 new staff despite no income, banking on old bookings.

1:00Opposition leader Basil Zimpelis pushes for government aid to house these vulnerable folks. Tourism Minister Reese Whitby met industry groups and eyes direct cash health for head businesses. As infrastructure slowly reopens, the north's tourism heartbeat fights to restart, leaving everyone watching the skies and repair crews. From your city, powered by AI, this is Sydney News Today. I'm Corey with The Story.