‘Record-breaking’ floods leave Western Australia communities isolated, defence aircraft deployed for rescue

Record-breaking floods in Australia's northwest have resulted in many communities getting isolated, Australia's weather forecaster said on Sunday (January 8). Severe weather system Ellie has created an emergency situation in Kimberly, an area in the state of Western Australia which is about the size of California.

The town of Fitzroy Crossing, a community of around 1,300 people, has been among the worst hit, with supplies having to be airlifted in due to flooded roads.

The Bureau of Meteorology said on Sunday that rain had eased as the ex-cyclone shifted eastwards to the Northern Territory, but warned that "record breaking major flooding" continued in the Kimberley.

"Many roads are impassable and many communities are now isolated," the forecaster said on its website.

State emergency authorities have warned residents in other small communities of rising water in the region, which includes the resort town of Broome, about 1,240 miles (2,000 km) north of the state capital, Perth.

The flooding is the state's worst on record, authorities have said, while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Saturday described it as "devastating" and pledged federal assistance.

Australian Defence Force aircraft were being used to assist flood-hit communities, and Chinook helicopters were en route to help relocate residents, according to authorities on Saturday.

(With inputs from agencies)