The fourth major flood crisis is starting to emerge in the eastern part of Australia this year, which can be attributed to the multi-year La Nina weather phenomenon, which is usually associated with increased rainfall. The floods left thousands of people homeless and damaged the agricultural sector. Reuters reports.
Authorities have announced at least A$2 billion ($1.3 billion) in disaster aid to help thousands of residents rebuild their homes and, in some cases, evacuate flood-prone areas.
There were 103 flood warnings in effect for New South Wales (NSW) on Saturday.
In Forbes, a rural town about a five-hour drive from Sydney on the state’s wheat lands, some businesses have already been inundated by the height of the Lachlan River, which is expected to peak at 10.8 meters on Saturday at its 70-year peak.
