Snake and croc activity on the rise following record WA floods

As if flood-ravaged West Australian communities haven’t suffered enough; now there’s a new warning residents should be aware of.

Residents in Western Australia’s devastated flood zone have been told to keep an eye out for a new threat.

Record flooding across the Kimberley region over the last week has created the perfect conditions for both snakes and crocodiles to thrive.

Flood plains along the Fitzroy River have expanded to cover 50km at their widest points, prompting the state’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services to include the warning in their latest flood updates.

“Due to the heavy rain and extreme flooding, there has been an increase in snake and crocodile activity in the Kimberley region,” the DFES said in an advisory issued on Monday afternoon.

Part of the Fitzroy River bridge has collapsed into floodwaters.

The same warning also cautioned residents to take precautions against increased mosquito activity, with far more places for the disease-carrying parasites to breed.

Residents should use mozzie repellent and wear long pants and long shirts where appropriate.

Meanwhile, flood levels around Fitzroy Crossing are steadily falling.

But further downstream at Willare, floodwaters are peaking at 10.6m, with major flooding in that area expected to remain for the next few days.

The path taken by ex-tropical cyclone Ellie as the system wreaked havoc over the nation's northwest.

Rainfall across the region has eased now that ex-tropical cyclone Ellie has moved into the southern Northern Territory.

More than 30 agencies continue to work across the region, flying in supplies and providing assistance where needed.