General News
6 August, 2024
The October that brought devastation
OCTOBER 2022 was Victoria’s wettest month on record that had devastating consequences for many communities, said inquiry chair Ryan Batchelor. Mr Batchelor said the inquiry had been an important way to give a voice to those who had “lost so much...
OCTOBER 2022 was Victoria’s wettest month on record that had devastating consequences for many communities, said inquiry chair Ryan Batchelor.
Mr Batchelor said the inquiry had been an important way to give a voice to those who had “lost so much because of these floods, and to help recommend ways that communities and government could better prepare for, respond to, and recover from, future flood disasters”.
“The stories from communities across the state were deeply impactful, as was the expert evidence received from emergency responders, local authorities, climate scientists, hydrologists, and urban planners,” Mr Batchelor said.
“From that evidence it is undeniable that climate change is intensifying weather events and increasing the risks we face living in this country ‘of droughts and flooding rains’.
“It is also clear that in the maelstrom of this disaster a community spirit shone through.
“Many stories were told of people going above and beyond to help their neighbours, of mobilising all resources to protect towns, and of reaching out and ensuring that no one was left alone or abandoned in a time of crisis.”