Berkeley River Lodge Faces Total Loss After Devastating Cyclone Fina Strike

Ex-Tropical Cyclone Fina has destroyed a remote luxury resort in Western Australia. The category three system made landfall late Monday, hitting the Berkeley River Lodge directly. The storm caused catastrophic damage to the property’s infrastructure.The lodge was closed for the season, so no guests were present. Two caretakers survived by sheltering in an underground container. Emergency services are now planning an evacuation mission for the isolated site.

Survival Underground as Storm Ravages Luxury Villas

Owner Chris Banson confirmed the extensive damage. He stated that three of the resort’s 18 luxury villas were completely destroyed. The central lodge building and staff accommodations also suffered major structural harm.Photos from the scene show toppled buildings and a stripped landscape. The power station was destroyed, cutting off all electricity and water services. According to ABC News, surrounding vegetation was flattened by the mcyclone’s intense winds.The two caretakers on site took refuge in a 40-foot shipping container buried underground. They emerged unharmed and made contact with authorities on Tuesday morning. Their safety was the primary concern for emergency crews.

Rescue Operations and Regional Impact Assessment

Acting Superintendent Todd Pender of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services outlined the rescue plan. He stated that evacuation would proceed once weather conditions permitted safe air travel. The caretakers remain supplied with essentials while awaiting extraction.The cyclone’s impact extended beyond the luxury lodge. In the Northern Territory, the storm knocked out power to approximately 17,000 properties over the weekend. The Canberra Times reported significant damage at Tiwi College, forcing its closure.By Tuesday, Fina was downgraded to a tropical low. However, severe weather warnings persisted for the Kimberley region. Forecasters predicted heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding as the system moved inland.

Recovery Timeline and Future Uncertain for Resort

The Berkeley River Lodge now faces a lengthy recovery process. Owner Chris Banson expressed hope for a potential May 2026 reopening. He emphasized that full damage assessment is still underway.This is not the first cyclone challenge for the resort. It sustained minor damage from Cyclone Blanche in 2017. The current destruction represents the most severe test in the property’s history.The Northern Territory government has activated disaster recovery payments. The $250 hardship payment aims to support residents affected by the severe weather. Recovery efforts will continue across the region in coming days.

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The destruction at Berkeley River Lodge highlights the vulnerability of remote tourism infrastructure to extreme weather. The full recovery from Cyclone Fina’s damage will require significant time and investment. This event serves as a stark reminder of nature’s power over even the most secluded luxury destinations.

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Were any guests injured at the lodge during the cyclone?

No guests were present during the cyclone strike. The resort was closed for the tourism season. Only two caretakers were on site, and both survived unharmed.

What was the condition of the Berkeley River Lodge after the storm?

The lodge suffered catastrophic damage. Three luxury villas were destroyed completely. The main lodge building and staff quarters sustained extensive structural harm.

How did the caretakers survive the direct cyclone hit?

They sheltered in an underground shipping container for protection. The 40-foot buried structure provided safety from the violent winds. Both emerged without injuries after the storm passed.

What is the expected reopening timeline for the resort?

The owner hopes to reopen by May 2026. This timeline depends on the full damage assessment. Reconstruction will be a major undertaking given the remote location.

What other areas were affected by Cyclone Fina?

The Northern Territory experienced widespread power outages. Approximately 17,000 properties lost electricity. Tiwi College suffered significant damage and closed indefinitely.