Red alert issued in Australian state for cyclone Kelvin

Canberra Feb 18 (IANS) Authorities on Sunday issued a red alert in the state of Western Australia (WA) after tropical cyclone Kelvin made landfall earlier in the day bringing with it winds of up to 250 kph.

In a warning the Department of Fire and Emergency Services told residents of northern WA that they were "in danger and need to act immediately" reports Xinhua news agency

"There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a cyclone is approaching the area " it said.

Residents of the Pilbara and Kimberley regions were told to remain in the safest parts of their house away from windows or stay in evacuation centres.

Further south a yellow alert was put in place warning of winds up to 150 kph.

Heavy rainfall was also expected. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has warned of possibilities of heavy flooding.

--IANS
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