Synopsis
Rainfall in the Australian outback is subsiding after record-breaking floods, but recovery efforts are just beginning. The Bureau of Meteorology has confirmed the rain has stopped, yet flooding will continue for weeks as communities struggle to recover from the devastation.Key Takeaways
- Rainfall has ceased in southwest Queensland.
- Flooding impacts are expected to linger for weeks.
- Over 150,000 livestock are either dead or missing.
- Evacuations have occurred in affected communities.
- State grants are available for affected farmers.
Sydney, April 3 (NationPress) Rainfall is anticipated to diminish in a section of the Australian outback that has experienced unprecedented flooding, which is likely to persist for several weeks.
Australia's Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) announced on Thursday that the rainfall responsible for extensive flooding across the southwest and central areas of Queensland is now "over."
"Fortunately, in southwest Queensland, the rainfall has ceased -- we are finished with the rain," stated Dean Narramore from the BoM.
"However, despite the cessation of rain, the flooding will persist for many days, potentially weeks, in southwest Queensland."
A region comparable in size to the state of New South Wales has been impacted by the flooding, with floodwaters in certain locations surpassing record levels set in 1974, as every river in southwest Queensland is currently at significant flood levels.
Residents in this sparsely populated area, known for its livestock farming, have been evacuated, and numerous homes have been submerged by floodwaters.
During a visit to the affected region on Wednesday, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli informed reporters in Longreach, approximately 1,000 km northwest of Brisbane, that over 150,000 livestock are either deceased or missing due to the floods, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
"This includes 70,000 cattle, 70,000 sheep, and 10,000 goats and horses, and I emphasize that this number will likely increase," he remarked.
"I want Queenslanders to comprehend the magnitude of this situation. Agriculture is the backbone of these communities, and recovery will be a lengthy process. It will take months, if not years, to restore normalcy."
He announced financial support grants up to 75,000 Australian dollars ($46,881.5) for affected primary producers, and mentioned he is collaborating with the federal government to help communities restore damaged infrastructure.
It is estimated that over 3,500 km of fencing and 5,000 km of private roads have sustained damage.
