The Outback towns and rivers that run across the Kimberley region of Western Australia are facing record breaking floods. Incessant rain has resulted in towns being left cut off and forced road closures. The landscape is beginning to resemble an inland sea, due to Ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie driving the rain. At this stage there’s no end in sight to the big wet.
Record floods
Western Australia’s Minister for Emergency Services, Stephen Dawson, announced an Emergency Situation has been declared. This is because some of these rivers are enduring their biggest flood of all time. On January 4th, 2023, a record major flood peak of 15.80 metres was observed.
Many in Fitzroy Crossing have already been rescued by emergency services. Others are being advised to relocate to the Fitzroy Crossing Recreation Centre if deemed safe to do so. In a major flood warning issued by the Bureau of Meteorology on Wednesday January 11th, BoM said, “River level rises and areas of flooding have adversely affected road conditions across the Fitzroy River catchment. Many roads are impassable and many communities are now isolated.”
Homes destroyed and roads ruined
The floods have resulted in key roads and bridges being decimated and homes being destroyed. Fitzroy Crossing’s only watering hole is now coated in water and mud. After managing the pub for more than 30 years Wayne Berhaman, said “our jaws were on the ground, no one contemplated the extent to which the water would rise.”
After the Fitzroy Crossing Bridge collapsed at one end, Premier Mark McGowan said it looked “almost like it was bombed”. Local authorities are in discussion on how to fix the major road. They’ve likened the economic and logistical impact on the region to the “Sydney Harbour Bridge collapsing”. This bridge operates as an important artery for freight trucks coming in and out of the area.
Help is on its way
Today, a large barge carrying five trucks with 110 tonnes of food will arrive at the local port. Its aim is to provide aid by stocking up supermarket shelves to the towns that have found themselves cut-off. The Australian Defence Force also touched down to provide assistance to help with damage assessment and security. Prime Minister Albanese said the government is mindful of further flooding and devastation in the region as the wet season continues.
If you’re headed to the Kimberley region, make sure you stay up to date with how the situation continues to develop. As always, make sure to follow all safety precautions and procedures that have been put in place at all times.
