Western Australia faces 'catastrophic' flood crisis, PM

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Saturday his government was ready to provide whatever support was needed for residents of the Western Australian state, where unprecedented flooding has isolated remote communities.

The crisis in the Kimberley – an area almost three times the size of England – was triggered this week by severe weather system Ellie, a tropical cyclone that brought heavy rain to the wider region.

Among the worst affected areas was Fitzroy Crossing, a town of about 1,300 people, where goods were blown away by flooding, officials said, the worst on record in the state.

Albanese said his government was “engaging constructively” with the Western Australian government on the crisis in the sparsely populated region, which includes the tourist town of Broome.

“These floods are having a devastating impact, many of these communities … are struggling communities, and the resources are simply not there,” Albanese told reporters in Geelong, Victoria.

“My government stands ready to provide any support that is requested.” The country’s meteorologist said the state would no longer experience severe weather, but “the situation will continue to be monitored and further warnings will be issued if necessary”. (McKeith in Sam Sidney)