The Australian Defense Force (ADF) is stepping up support for flood-affected communities along the east coast of Australia as residents have criticized the government for not providing sufficient support.
ADF more than doubles the number of people on the ground. In a week, the number of people will increase from 2,300 to 5,000, supporting rescue work, dropping supplies, cleaning up roads, and repairing communication networks.
Defense Minister Peter Dutton said there was “absolutely” work to do, but the ADF responded to all events and, despite some negative stories, had a lot of communities. He said he had helped.
“There are literally hundreds of stories that defenses could drop food, formula, and medicine, and they respond kindly and gratefully,” he says. .. Said ABC Radio on Tuesday.
Dutton added that weather events in Northern New South Wales (NSW) are more like “cyclone-type events” than floods.
“This is a torrent of water that chopped up the community, and the roads that were there are no longer there,” he said. “And that’s the situation they’re dealing with [with] It takes time to respond and rebuild. “
However, Senator Murray Watt, the shadow minister of disaster and emergency management, has strongly criticized the lack of federal support.
“What you can’t see behind me is someone from the federal government. No military personnel can help with this cleanup,” Watt said. Said In Lismore on Tuesday. “I would like to pay tribute to the soldiers here, but not enough.”
New South Wales Prime Minister Dominic Perrott said the images he saw about the flood-affected communities were devastating. He also admitted that people felt abandoned and isolated.
“No one should feel that way,” he said. Said 2GB radio. “What we are doing is to get as many people as possible on the ground.”
Currently, there are about 1,600 rescuers and government service personnel on the ground, with additional support from ADF, Perotet said.
The prime minister added that it could have been much worse without the “courage and heroes” of many who went out and cared for strangers.
A second wave of heavy rain began to fall on heavy Sydney on Tuesday, and the State Emergency Services (SES) issued evacuation orders to 13 suburbs, affecting approximately 60,000 people southwest and west of Sydney along the Georges River.
Sydney has been raining for 16 consecutive days and the first sunshine is expected on Thursday.
However, the Meteorological Bureau warned that saturated soil could lead to landslides. Has already occurred In Katoomba.
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Rebecca Zhu is based in Sydney. She focuses on Australia’s economy, property and education. Do you have a hint? Contact her at [email protected]