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Defence is set to deploy an aircraft to Western Australia to assist with the clean-up following Tropical Cyclone Seroja.
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The WA government has called on the ADF to assist communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Seroja over the West Australian coast near Kalbarri.
A C-130J Hercules aircraft has been provided by Defence for medical and other evacuations, and to transport emergency services personnel and supplies, including food, water and generators to communities in need.
Defence is also considering a request for personnel to assist with clean up and damage assessment.
Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud, who passed on the WA government's request to Minister for Defence Peter Dutton, noted the importance of ADF assistance.
“These communities need assistance now and we are acting immediately,” Minister Littleproud added.
“A tropical cyclone crossing this far south is a rare event, so I commend the early planning and actions of the WA emergency services to prepare communities for the worst.”
Member for Durack and Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price also welcomed ADF support.
“We’ve seen our Defence personnel helping time and time again through the bushfires, COVID and now helping cyclone-affected people in the Durack electorate,” Minister Price said.
“I urge people still in the path of the system to take all necessary precautions.
“Although the cyclone crossed the coast and has been downgraded to a tropical low, the risks of heavy rain, flash flooding and damaging wind gusts are still very real, and people must take the advice of WA emergency services.”
