Western Australia Battles Devastating Flood Emergency

Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese says his government will provide support to residents of Western Australia state, as record-breaking floods isolated far-flung communities there.

Prime Minister Albanese said his government was “working constructively” with the Western Australian government on the crisis in the sparsely populated region that also includes the resort town of Broome.

“These floods are having a devastating impact, many of these communities … are communities that do it tough, and the resources simply aren’t there on the ground,” Albanese told reporters in the city of Geelong, in Victoria state.

“My government stands ready to provide whatever support is requested,” the Prime Minister said.

The crisis in the Kimberley was sparked this week by severe weather system Ellie, a former tropical cyclone that brought heavy rain to the vast region.

Kimberley is an area that is almost three times the size of the United Kingdom.

Authorities say the worst hit area is the Fitzroy Crossing, a town of around 1,300 people where supplies were being airlifted in, due to the flooding.

Assistance

Western Australia emergency authorities said Australian Defence Force aircraft were being used to assist flood-hit communities, and Chinook helicopters were en-route to help relocated impacted residents.

The nation’s weather forecaster said severe weather was no longer occurring in the state but the situation would continue to be monitored and further warnings would be issued if necessary.

The emergency in the country’s far northwest comes after frequent flooding in Australia’s east over the last two years due to a multi-year La Nina weather event, typically associated with increased rainfall.

According to reports, some regions have endured four major flood crises since last year.

Reuters/Confidence Okwuchi