Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government By Jake Dima
Parts of Australia declared a state of emergency as rampant flash flooding has gripped the country since Thursday.
Thousands have been ordered to evacuate, and at least 16 areas in the New South Wales region are under natural disaster declarations due to heavy rains that overwhelmed a dam and a multitude of natural water bodies. NSW Emergency Services Minister David Elliott has yet to report any deaths but cautioned the public that the country is “moving closer and closer to the inevitable fatality.”
“We cannot say it enough: do not put yourself in danger, do not put the agencies that are there to assist you in the event of a flood rescue in danger,” Elliot said.
State Premier Gladys Berejiklian said, “This is nothing like we’ve seen since the 1960s,” as she estimated nearly 4,000 Hawkesbury region were forced to vacate their homes. The State Emergency Service arrived at upward of 7,000 calls from residents in crisis, 750 of which were for flood rescues.
Photos from Australia show trucks plowing through feet-high water, crop fields flooded over, and residents utilizing boats to lend a hand to those stuck on roadways.
“The terrible storms and floods that have been ravaging NSW for the past few days are taking a heavy toll,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said in a Facebook post.
Estimates of damage have yet to be released, but authorities are set to give approximately $1,000 AUD ($770 USD) for adults or $400 AUD ($310 USD) for children seriously affected by the weather emergency.
Rain is likely to continue throughout the week, possibly worsening the situation.
