‘A lot of asbestos in the streets’: WA declares ‘hazmat emergency’ after tornado hits Bunbury

More than 100 homes damaged when tornado ripped off roofs, collapsed walls and sucked up debris in state’s south-west

• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

Asbestos scattered over residential streets has prompted a “hazmat emergency” response in Western Australia’s south-west, with specialist crews urgently working to contain any possible exposure following a devastating tornado.

More than 100 homes were damaged when the tornado ripped off roofs, collapsed walls and sucked up debris into the sky at Bunbury on Friday afternoon.

Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup