Once-in-a-Century Floods Hit WA and NT, Government to Provide Relief

The cover image of this article is from thedailyguardian.com.

Government officials have extended emergency financial relief to those affected by major flooding in the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

This drastic weather event left roads flooded, towns isolated, and communities struggling with the "once-in-a-century" storm brought on by ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie.

Support from the Government

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated the Commonwealth will offer any required support to the WA and NT governments during this crisis.

The Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements provides assistance to the regions of Derby West Kimberley, Broome, Wyndham East Kimberley and Halls Creek in WA, and Victoria Daly in the NT.

Under the terms of the program, the state governments are responsible for delivering the aid options and are reimbursed by the Commonwealth. This can include assistance for housing replacement, repairs and clean up, as well as any distress payments and help with temporary living costs.

Albanese went on to explain the help available, including up to $10,000 for housing and essential items, and that the total cost for repairs is expected to be large, including restoring and repairing the inundated roads. He promised the Commonwealth's collaboration with state and local governments to restore the affected communities and get the rebuilding process going as soon as possible.

Residents who have been left financially disadvantaged due to the emergency situation are now eligible to apply for the Disaster Recovery Allowance, provided they are located in the designated eligible areas. The allowance provides a taxable payment and can extend up to 13 weeks.

Defence Force aircrafts and troops have been deployed to the areas to help with relocation and supplying needs, and a helicopter has been delivering hay to cows stranded by the waters.

WA Premier Mark McGowan described the flooding as "unprecedented" and "devastating" and stated it will take time for the affected communities to recover. He urged residents to use the federal assistance to get by with the assistance for temporary living expenses, housing repairs and replacement of essential household items. Services Australia staff are already on the ground, and more will arrive as soon as it is safe.

Geoff Haerewa, President of the Derby Shire Council, noted it had been difficult to assess the damage caused as many places were still inaccessible. Reports of dead cattle washed up were heartbreaking, but he was pleased with the response efforts that had been put in place.

The Prime Minister and Emergency Management Minister are planning to visit the flooded communities on Monday to better understand the situation and what else can be done to help.