IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Freak storm forces ER evacuation in Australia

A major storm  causes widespread flooding, collapsing roofs at the airport and a hospital and leading to power cuts for 150,000 customers in the western Australian city of Perth.
Image: Mudslide in Perth
An emergency worker inspects a van surrounded by mud in Perth on March 23, 2010 after a landslide was triggered by a freak storm the night before. Tony Ashby / AFP - Getty Images
/ Source: The Associated Press

A major storm has caused widespread flooding, collapsing roofs at the airport and a hospital emergency room, and causing power cuts for 150,000 customers in the western Australian city of Perth.

The Bureau of Meteorology said the storm carried wind gusts of more than 75 miles per hour as heavy rain and hailstorms deluged the city Monday.

Outbound flights from Perth Airport were halted temporarily when part of the airport's ceiling collapsed.

People were evacuated from the emergency room at Joondalup Hospital after part of the ceiling fell.

Emergency services responded to hundreds of calls for assistance with power lines and trees down, roofs broken and windows smashed.

Perth has had a dry summer with minimal or no rain for months. More storms were forecast for Tuesday.