A mining camp in northern WA was the major victim when Tropical Cyclone George wreaked havoc around the Pilbara region on Friday. A temporary rail camp for Fortescue Metals was severely damaged in the category 4 storm and three people died.

The company was forced to evacuate 731 employees from the site.

CEO Andrew Forrest says Fortescue’s primary concern is with the safety and well-being of its staff and their families and the company will continue to offer counselling support “for as long as it is required”.

While the human cost has been high, there was comparatively little damage to the company’s infrastructure. “Damage to our facilities at these sites has been minimal,” he said. “We expect there has been damage to works along the rail line due to flooding.”

The storm also hit residential areas but household insurers say their exposure is minimal. CGU says it has received around 50 domestic claims with parent company IAG describing the event as “not material” in terms of potential payouts.

QBE, a major insurer of industrial activity in the Pilbara, says its exposure is also minimal.