‘Worst flood in history’ batters Western Australia’s Fitzroy River communities

A huge “inland ocean” has formed in Western Australia as communities along the Fitzroy River go underwater in the state’s worst flood disaster. See the pictures.

Receding water levels have reopened Broome Airport and allowed emergency aid to begin flowing into communities along Western Australia’s Fitzroy River, that have been decimated by the worst flooding ever seen in the state’s history.

Mark Anderson, CEO of the Foundation for Indigenous Sustainable Health, is in Fitzroy helping oversee the delivery and distribution of critical non-food items to locals, many of whom have lost everything.

Fitzroy Crossing, in northern WA, has been heavily impacted by floodwaters. The flooding in Fitzroy Valley has seen major impacts not only on the town of Fitzroy and surrounding communities but also on cattle and station industry and infrastructure. Jubilee Downs Station is a current example with the main homestead, yards and station infrastructure totally inundated with flood waters. Picture: FISH/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/fish.asn.au/

The foundation, known as FISH, has a general store in Fitzroy and it was one of only two stores that did not go under water in the floods that have been generated by ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie.

“We are using our shop as a distribution point for non-food items,” he said.

“I haven’t seen anything like this – when we flew in all we could see was about 100km of inland ocean.”

Fitzroy Crossing, in northern WA. Picture FISH/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/fish.asn.au/

Mr Anderson said while the water was receding, the emergency was far from over.

“The big issue is that the wet season hasn’t even started yet,” he said.

“We’ve had floods before, but nothing like this and the wet season is about to start.”

The sheer volume of water that has flooded into the river has astounded experts. As the flood crisis worsened during the week, Western Australian meteorologist James Ashley told a media conference about 60,000 cubic metres of water per second had been flowing down the river.

“It’s probably one of the highest flow rates we have ever seen in Australian rivers,” said Mr Ashley.

“The amount of water that’s moving down the Fitzroy River in a day is about what Perth uses water-wise in 20 years.”

Hay delivery for cows stranded by floodwaters. While conditions are easing in parts of the Kimberley, the situation remains very serious with floodwaters rising in Willare and Camballin. Picture: Frontier Helicopters

Western Australian premier Mark McGowan Government has announced a $3 million contribution to the Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund Appeal, which will be open to public donations next week, to assist communities on the path to recovery from the Fitzroy River floods.

WA Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson and DFES staff meeting with Fitzroy Crossing community members impacted by floods. Picture: Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA

It will be followed by additional funding support separately through the State-Commonwealth Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Fitzroy Crossing has been heavily impacted by floodwaters. Picture FISH/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/fish.asn.au/

“This is unprecedented for the Kimberley region and has wrought devastating impacts on local homes, businesses and communities,” said Mr McGowan.

“I want to assure all those impacted by this once-in-a-century event that the state government will work for as long as it takes to ensure these communities recover and rebuild.

“State Government agencies are working hard as part of our initial response and these efforts will continue in the coming weeks and months.

“I would like to thank everyone assisting with the response for their efforts and send my thoughts to all who have been impacted by the flooding.”

While conditions are easing in parts of the Kimberley, the situation remains very serious with floodwaters rising in Willare and Camballin. Picture: Fitzroy Crossing Police

More than 100 DFES staff and volunteers will be sent to the region to provide support, with the current focus on immediate emergency response, evacuation, relocation, and resupply.

A Royal Australian Air Force C-130J Hercules aircraft unloads personnel from various Western Australian Government agencies in Broome to assist during Operation Flood Assist.

Mr Anderson said Australians who wanted to help could look at the FISH Facebook page, which has updated posts and videos of the current conditions and community needs.

“There is a long road ahead – I think the people here just want to know that what’s needed is being heard and being addressed,” he said.