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What is causing Australia’s flood crisis?

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Twenty Australians have lost their lives in floods this year, as authorities continue their search and rescue efforts

For the third time this year, floods have battered Australia’s largest city.

Some areas have received eight months of rain in just four days.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) says some parts of New South Wales have seen 800mm alone. For perspective, Greater London receives this type of rainfall over the course of a year.

There are more than 100 evacuation orders across Greater Sydney for the current emergency.

It’s the typical narrative for disasters like these, where a cesspit of data floods headlines.

It comes as the BOM confirms this season’s La Niña has ended, so what is causing these floods?

Divulging the data

The Indian Ocean Dipole is a technical term for the differences in sea surface temperatures between the eastern and western parts of the Indian Ocean.

This phenomenon is likely to shift ‘negative’ over the coming months.

This means “warmer waters concentrate near Australia, leading to above average winter–spring rainfall as more moisture is available to weather systems crossing the continent,” according to the BOM.

“We have seen some of these impacted communities being hit by floods for a third and fourth time in 18 months, which is extremely distressing to the residents of these communities.”

Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt

Meanwhile, the SAM refers to the Southern Annular Mode. This is a term used for the non-seasonal, north-south movement of the strong westerly winds.

When the SAM is in the ‘positive’ phase, it directs more moisture-filled air into eastern Australia.

The BOM says this is “driving above average rainfall and more east coast lows”.

This has forced a cargo ship to remain at anchor by the ferocious conditions off the coast of Sydney.

In fact, this happened 15 years ago when storms grounded the Pasha Bulker—a 40,000 tonne bulk carrier ship.

The Pasha Bulker stranded off the coast of Newcastle.

Is this climate change in action?

It is difficult to link any single flood to climate change. But many climate models suggest Australia will repeatedly fall victim to climate change.

Critically, these areas have been battered by heavy rains in recent months. The La Niña has also saturated the ground and filled dams. These are some of the crucial factors that lead to flash flooding.

“Similarly, we’re now working hard together to make sure that impacted communities get the financial and other assistance they need as soon as possible,” Senator Murray Watt says.

Sydney’s bustling population has pushed development into low-lying areas, which also places residents at an increased risk.

A boat passes under the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge as heavy rain batters the city.

Greg Mullins is the leader of the Emergency Leaders for Climate Action group, who recently met with Australia’s new government.

“There is absolutely no doubt extreme weather events are being intensified because of climate change.”

“The science is very clear that we’re seeing wild fluctuations between periods of flood and fire, because of warming. On the East Coast of Australia in the last 18 months we’ve now had four major floods,” he says.

Senator Watt says he is committed to learning from past natural hazards, which turn into disasters when they intersect with vulnerable communities, devastate infrastructure, and lead to economic consequences.

This occurred when over 400 people were killed when deluge swept through South Africa in April.

“It’s time for the world to wake up and take real action on climate change. Communities having to deal with flood event after flood event is absolutely affecting our response and recovery,” Mullins says.

Costa is a news producer at ticker NEWS. He has previously worked as a regional journalist at the Southern Highlands Express newspaper. He also has several years' experience in the fire and emergency services sector, where he has worked with researchers, policymakers and local communities. He has also worked at the Seven Network during their Olympic Games coverage and in the ABC Melbourne newsroom. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Professional), with expertise in journalism, politics and international relations. His other interests include colonial legacies in the Pacific, counter-terrorism, aviation and travel.

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Trump’s shock Iran strike sparks global oil fears

Trump’s unexpected strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites unleash global concerns over oil prices and Strait of Hormuz security.

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Trump’s unexpected strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites unleash global concerns over oil prices and Strait of Hormuz security.


President Trump’s surprise strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites are sending shockwaves across the globe, with leaders weighing the fallout.

From rising oil prices to fears Iran could shut the Strait of Hormuz, the world is bracing for what comes next.

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#Trump #Iran #NuclearStrike #MiddleEastCrisis #OilPrices #StraitOfHormuz #Geopolitics #USForeignPolicy

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Treasurer Jim Chalmers blasts red tape in push for productivity boost

Treasurer Jim Chalmers urges reduction of excessive regulations hindering housing reform and clean energy, calling for a productivity revival in Australia.

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Treasurer Jim Chalmers urges reduction of excessive regulations hindering housing reform and clean energy, calling for a productivity revival in Australia.


Treasurer Jim Chalmers says it’s time to stop progressive red tape from strangling good ideas like housing reform and clean energy.

He’s demanding regulators cut back on excessive rules slowing growth and innovation across the economy. Chalmers is calling it a “wake-up call” for the left — and launching a major push to revive Australia’s productivity from the supply side.

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#JimChalmers #RedTape #AustralianPolitics #CleanEnergy #HousingCrisis #EconomicGrowth #Productivity #RegulationReform

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Iran responds as oil shock looms for West

U.S. airstrikes on Iran escalate tensions in the Middle East, prompting fears of disruptions in global oil markets as diplomacy efforts continue.

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U.S. airstrikes on Iran escalate tensions in the Middle East, prompting fears of disruptions in global oil markets as diplomacy efforts continue.


The world is reacting to fresh U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, as tensions escalate across the Middle East. With fears Iran could block the Strait of Hormuz — a vital oil shipping route — global markets brace for major disruption.

Vice President JD Vance says Iran’s uranium remains untouched, as Washington calls for renewed diplomacy. Meanwhile, Israel claims progress in countering Iran’s missile and nuclear programs, as Tel Aviv shows public support for U.S. action.

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#Iran #USStrikes #MiddleEastCrisis #StraitOfHormuz #OilPrices #Trump #Israel #TickerNews

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