Disaster assistance has been made available to help communities in Western Australia's northwest recover from damaging flooding earlier this month.
The unspecified assistance will be provided jointly by the federal and state governments through disaster recovery arrangements and will be used to repair vital infrastructure in the Shire of Exmouth.
Federal Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud said torrential rain over a 24-hour period had caused significant flood damage to roads and other infrastructure across the area.
"This was a serious disaster event that caused widespread disruption to local communities, and threatened life and property," Mr Littleproud said in a statement on Wednesday.
"Some travellers were left stranded, and at one point, residents were cut off from the town centre due to fast-moving floodwaters and road damage."
WA Emergency Services Minister Reece Whitby said the deluge was heaviest in the northern part of the North West Cape and was equivalent to about nine months' worth of rain in a day.
"A swift response ensured travellers and residents received timely assistance, while flood areas and road traffic were managed and debris removed," Mr Whitby said.
"Financial assistance, through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, will enable communities in the Shire of Exmouth to rebuild vital infrastructure and minimise the impact on the local economy."
Mr Whitby said the state and federal governments would continue to monitor the impacts of the rain event.
Australian Associated Press
