Flooded Regions in Australia Welcome Back Residents - Return of residents to waterlogged neighborhoods in Australia after heavy flooding
Flood Recovery Underway in Taree, New South Wales
In just three days, the northern region of New South Wales on Australia's east coast received as much rain as it typically does in six months. This unprecedented downpour caused rivers to overflow and envelop entire towns, the most affected being Taree where the Manning River breached a 96-year-old flood record.
Residents have begun the arduous task of sifting through piles of muddy debris in the heart of Taree, hoping to salvage something from the wreckage. Local volunteers have provided essential assistance, helping business owners clean up their devastated stores.
Emergency services Commissioner Dallas Burnes warned returning residents to be cautious, as the floodwater is contaminated with toxins and germs, posing a health risk. Additionally, displaced snakes may have entered homes due to the floodwaters. The main focus of helpers is now to provide supplies to residents of isolated villages.
Prime Minister Albanese described the situation as "terrible" during a visit to the flood zone. He announced that the army will be deployed to aid in the cleanup efforts and repair of infrastructure. The federal government has declared a state of emergency due to the floods, which will facilitate the release of funds for affected areas.
At the height of the disaster, over 50,000 people were temporarily cut off from the outside world and had to seek refuge on the rooftops of their cars and houses. Rescuers safely evacuated more than 600 people.
Local businessman Jeremy Thornton still finds the events shocking, recounting the sound of the rain, helicopters, and sirens.
Experts attribute the increase in frequency and intensity of extreme weather events to climate change. In recent times, severe weather has wreaked havoc across various regions of Australia. According to the weather service, the ocean surrounding Australia has been "unusually warm" over the past few months, which may contribute to heavier rainfall as temperatures rise and the sea releases more moisture into the atmosphere via evaporation.
The NSW government has established Recovery Centers in flood-affected regions, offering services such as assistance with replacing personal documents, legal help, insurance support, and mental health services. The Australian Defence Force has been deployed to aid with recovery operations, particularly in isolated areas. Approximately 12,000 people remain isolated due to the floods, giving rise to concerns about mental health implications due to prolonged exposure to stress and isolation.
The government has activated Federal-State Natural Disaster Recovery Arrangements for 19 local government areas, providing small loans for businesses and individuals affected by the floods. However, there is a call for additional direct financial support, such as grants, to help farmers and businesses recover beyond just loans. The government is also ensuring that necessary services are available through the Recovery Centers, making it easier for people to access help without delay.
- In the wake of the devastating floods in Taree, EC countries might consider employing stricter climate-change policies, as the increase in extreme weather events, such as this one, can be attributed to environmental-science factors like global warming.
- As officials continue to assess the damage caused by the floods in Taree, scientists studying weather patterns are keen to investigate how the unusually warm ocean surrounding Australia over the past few months may have contributed to the heavier rainfall experienced during the storm, underlining the pressing need for science-based emission reduction policies in the fight against climate-change.
