Recent record-breaking floods in eastern Australia have tragically claimed at least four lives, leaving a trail of destruction that has affected countless homes and communities. The deluge has impacted around 50,000 residents, cutting them off from critical assistance.
- Advertisement -
In northern New South Wales, an area rich in rivers and valleys situated approximately 400km north of Sydney, rescue teams have recovered four bodies from the vast seas of floodwater. As the waters slowly begin to recede, salvage crews are gearing up for a significant clean-up operation, having experienced a staggering half a year’s worth of rain in just three days.
“Our CBD was inundated, and many businesses have suffered damage from flooding. The clean-up ahead will be monumental,” remarked Kinne Ring, the mayor of the flood-affected farming town of Kempsey, referring to the central business district.
“Water is seeping into the bottoms of houses, and it’s disheartening to witness. It will take time for the waters to fully recede,” she added.
In response to the disaster, Dallas Burnes, the head of the State Emergency Service, announced that over 2,000 workers had been mobilized to assist in the affected zones. “Our immediate focus will be on resupplying the isolated communities,” he said, highlighting that 50,000 individuals remain stranded by the floods.
Since the onset of the emergency, rescue teams have successfully extracted more than 600 individuals from rising waters. Many sought refuge atop cars, rooftops, and highway bridges as helicopters worked tirelessly to winch them to safety.
According to the government weather bureau, this storm has delivered more than six months’ worth of rain within a mere three days, breaking flood-height records in various regions. “We are witnessing levels in local tributaries, creeks, and rivers that have not been seen since 1920,” stated state premier Chris Minns during a press briefing. “Many residents may have never experienced this degree of flooding in their communities,” he added.
In the town of Taree, local business owner Jeremy Thornton described the situation as “gut-wrenching,” noting that this was one of the worst floods he had witnessed. “It’s incredibly challenging, but we must persevere. Every moment feels laden with memories of the rain, the helicopters, and the sirens,” he shared.
The government has officially declared a natural disaster, unlocking additional resources for the affected areas. From the parched outback to the lush coastal regions, Australia has recently endured a barrage of severe weather conditions.
The surrounding oceans have been noted to be “abnormally warm” in recent months, according to Australia’s government weather bureau. Warmer seas contribute to higher moisture levels in the atmosphere, potentially resulting in more intense rainfall events. While it is challenging to associate climate change with specific disasters, scientists caution that it is already exacerbating extreme weather patterns.
Flood modeling expert Mahdi Sedighkia emphasized the significance of this week’s emergency, stating it offers “compelling evidence” of how climate change may influence regional weather dynamics.
We stand in solidarity with those affected and commend the tireless efforts of emergency services working to restore safety and normalcy in the region.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
