City
Epaper

Australian Defense Force 'sorry' for slow response to catastrophic floods

By IANS | Published: March 08, 2022 3:00 PM

Canberra, March 8 The Australian Defense Force (ADF) has apologised for its slow response to the catastrophic flooding ...

Open in App

Canberra, March 8 The Australian Defense Force (ADF) has apologised for its slow response to the catastrophic flooding across the country's east coast.

Major General David Thomae, national commander of the joint task force in charge of the response to floods in southern Queensland and northern New South Wales, acknowledged that some people felt abandoned by the ADF but said the army had "done all that we can", reports Xinhua news agency

The ADF has been criticised for failing to respond to calls for help from communities left isolated by the floods.

"I am very sorry for all those people who have felt that they haven't been supported and I empathize completely with their plight," Thomae told reporters.

At least 17 people have died and thousands of buildings have been damaged in the floods, which began late last month after parts of Queensland and New South Wales received record rainfall in a matter of days.

Damages in Queensland alone is expected to surpass A$2.5 billion ($1.8 billion).

Thomae said the ADF has rescued 113 people from flood waters and another 79 from roofs via helicopter.

He defended the ADF response, saying personnel were on the ground in Queensland on day one providing assistance "as soon as weather and conditions allowed".

"We have to operate in a safe matter... If our aircraft can not safely operate to get into those locations because of the conditions last week, then that explains part of what you are asking."

Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor

Tags: Israel Defense ForcesDavid thomaeADF
Open in App

Related Stories

InternationalAustralia new defence review- Focus on stronger ties with India, Japan amidst China military build-up

InternationalAustralian Defence Force to probe army chopper incident

InternationalPapua New Guinea to sign security pact with Australia to counter China in Pacific

International51 people including 27 Gazan civilians killed in air strikes between Israel, Gaza-based militants

InternationalIsraeli army chief to visit Morocco next week

Politics Realted Stories

NationalLok Sabha Election 2024: EC Sends Notice to BJP President JP Nadda and Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Asks Both Parties To Exercise Restraint

PoliticsAmit Shah Promises BJP Workers to Jail TMC 'Goons' Once Party Wins 30 Lok Sabha Seats in West Bengal (Watch Video)

PoliticsWater Crisis in Delhi: AAP Leader Atishi Accuses BJP of Stopping Yamuna Water Supply to Delhi

PoliticsManish Sisodia Custody Extended: No Respite for Former Deputy CM In Delhi Excise Policy Case

PoliticsLok Sabha Election 2024: BJP Issues Show Cause Notice to Sitting MP Jayant Sinha for Skipping Campaigning