THE 2012 FLOODING IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA - Research Paper Example

Australia remained under heavy flooding in last two years. People of Australia were of the view that the heavy flooding is cause of global warming. The cause of record rain fall and flooding is not global warming but it is result of back to back La Nina events. El Nino and El Nino southern oscillations are the dry brothers of La Nino. These events are known as the extreme of a climate temperature in that region. These effects have caused draught and rains in Australia for the last hundred of years even well before the emission of carbon dioxide by human beings in the atmosphere.

Australia’s bureau of meteorology reported that weather department warned people about possibility of floods in 2012 as the ocean temperature was more then normal. Despite early warning and evacuation of homes in Queensland, the flood played havoc in east Australia and disrupted communication and business facilities (Editor, 2012). On 23 January, the rain started in Brisbane and devastated life there in the shape of flood. South eastern Queensland was the most effected area from these floods of 2012.

The recorded rainfall in 24 hours was approximately 300 millimeters in the region. Beaches were closed and roads were filled with flooded water. On 27 January, central Queensland was under heavy rain and thunderstorm. This situation of rainfall and flooding of the area remain continued till end of the march. In New South Wales all the roads were cut and rivers were heavily flooded. Barwon and Darling rivers were heavily flooded while passing through New South Wales in February 2012 (Samuels, 2012).

More than 9000 people were told to evacuate Wagga Wagga as the river reached the top water level. People were still saved as the levee was still holding the area all around. Despite early warning and efficient rescue system the Australian people were surprised by the flood. Heavy rain fall in complete region left no time with the people to establish them selves away from the flood. Moreover the water rose in oceans and rivers and area around the course of a water channel was badly hit due to over flooding (Samuels, 2012).

Floods had long lasting economic, social and environmental impacts on Australia. Worldwide commodity and agricultural products saw a rise in prices. Social life and basic facilities and structure were badly damaged in Queensland and surrounding areas. Environmental changes due to La Nino affect disturbed the life in the region. The floods are expects to cause short term economic effects on Queensland until the complete economic revival takes place. Queensland is the main economic hub of Australia as it contributes about 20% in the Australian economic growth (IBIS World, 2011).

Agriculture sector is also badly hit because the crops worth 1.6 billion dollors have been destroyed by the recent floods. Sugarcane and cotton production in the area has been seriously affected. This is going to result in short term price rise of about 200%. Significant damage to property and road infrastructure has been done in Queensland and Brisbane. About 18000 residential and commercial properties suffered partial and complete damage. Electric and water services were seriously disrupted in Australia.

Australia is very attractive tourist destination for the world. Floods resulted in reducing the tourism activities as people preferred not to visit flood hit Australia until the system of tourism is set back on track. This widely affected the social life of people in Australia. Total of 10 billion dollars