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Natural disasters are catastrophes caused by natural phenomena such as extreme weather events, geological activity, or other natural processes that cause significant damage to property and infrastructure and can endanger human life.
These calamities often strike without warning and have far-reaching effects, necessitating rapid action to deal with the aftermath.
A brief rundown of Australia’s most frequent natural disasters is provided below:
- Bushfires: Human activity, such as using campfires or tobacco products, combined with high temperatures and low humidity, can lead to the outbreak of bushfires. They seriously threaten human safety and can wreak havoc on property and ecosystems.
- Flood: When water from sources like rivers, lakes, or oceans spreads over land and ruins homes and infrastructure, we call this a flood.
- Tropical Cyclones: Tropical cyclones are powerful storms with high winds, heavy rain, and flooding that can occur in the tropics of northern Australia.
- Drought: A prolonged period of dry weather that results in a water shortage and damages rural economies, crops, and water supplies is known as a drought.
- Storms: During the summer, Australia is prone to severe thunderstorms and hailstorms, damaging buildings, vehicles, and other critical infrastructure.
- Heatwaves: Heatwaves are extended periods of extremely hot weather that pose a health risk, especially to the elderly and young.
It is crucial for individuals and communities in Australia to be ready for natural disasters and have a plan in place to lessen the effects of these calamities, given the country’s geography and climate.
Which Is The Deadliest Natural Disaster In Australia That Causes The Most Damage?
Heatwaves are Australia’s deadliest natural disaster. A heatwave is defined by the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) as three or more days of unusually high maximum and minimum temperatures in a given area.
National Museum Australia reports that heat waves are the leading cause of death in Australia, killing far more people than bushfires, cyclones, or floods combined.
According to the BOM, Australia’s climate has warmed by more than 1.4 degrees Celsius since 1910, and further warming is unavoidable over the next 20 years. Warming has increased heatwaves’ intensity, frequency, and duration across Australia. According to the BOM, hot days, warm spells, and heatwaves will become more common and intense in Australia in the coming years.
What Are The Top 10 Worst Natural Disasters In Australian History?
Worst Natural Disasters In Australia | Description |
| Ash Wednesday BushFires | The Ash Wednesday bushfires, also known as Ash Wednesday II in South Australia(SA), occurred in southeastern Australia on Ash Wednesday, February 16, 1983. Within twelve hours, over 180 flames fanned by high gusts of up to 110 km/h (68 mph) wreaked havoc over Victoria and SA. Decades of prolonged drought and severe weather combined to produce one of the deadliest fire days in Australia in a century. |
| Cyclone Ada | Cyclone Ada was a tiny but powerful tropical storm that devastated Queensland’s Whitsunday Region in January 1970. It was described as a defining event in the history of the Whitsunday Islands, as well as the most devastating storm in the history of the mainland town of Proserpine at the time. |
| Thredbo Landslide | The Thredbo landslide happened in Thredbo’s town and ski resort in New South Wales, Australia, on July 30, 1997. It was a huge landslide that killed many people and caused much damage. It caused two ski huts to burn down, and 18 people died. Only Stuart Diver made it out alive. |
| Cyclone Mahina | Tropical cyclone Mahina was the deadliest ever recorded in Australia and possibly the strongest tropical cyclone ever recorded in the southern hemisphere. More than 300 people were killed when Mahina landed on Bathurst Bay, Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, on March 4, 1899, with its winds and tremendous storm surge. |
| Brisbane Flood | Three weeks of non-stop rain caused a devastating flood in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, in January 1974. Brisbane’s main river, the Brisbane River, overflowed its banks and inundated the city. Ipswich, Beenleigh, and the Gold Coast were also impacted by the cyclone that caused the flood. Damages were estimated at A$980 million, with 16 persons killed and 300 injured. Eight thousand dwellings were damaged. |
| Cyclone Tracy | Tropical Cyclone Tracy wreaked havoc on Darwin, Northern Territory, from December 24 to December 26, 1974. Since Darwin locals were celebrating Christmas, they were unaware of the immediate emergency. The tardy response was partly due to an earlier cyclone (Selma) warning passing west of the city, so people continued to celebrate. |
| Cyclone Debbi | Cyclone Debbie in 2017 was Queensland’s strongest tropical storm since Marcia in 2015. It was Australia’s most expensive tropical cyclone since Yasi in 2011. The storm caused AUD 3.5 billion in damage and fourteen deaths in Australia, primarily due to catastrophic floods. Debbie is the deadliest cyclone to strike Australia since Fifi in 1991. |
| Black Saturday Bushfire | The Black Saturday fires were a string of fires that started or were already blazing in the Australian state of Victoria on or about February 7, 2009. It was one of the worst bushfire disasters ever to happen in Australia. Extreme bushfire weather caused the fires, and 173 people died, the most people who have ever died in a wildfire in Australia. As a result, a lot of people lost their homes. |
| Cyclone Yasi | Tropical Storm Yasi was the most powerful storm in Queensland history, displacing almost 10,000 people. The hurricane passed between Cairns and Townsville, which experienced minimal damage. Early damage estimates placed the cost at around AU$100 million. It did not cause as much damage as the administration had anticipated because it missed major cities. It did, however, demolish 30% of Tully’s dwellings. At least 75% of the banana crop was lost, and the damage to sugarcane crops was estimated to cost AU$ 500 million. Power line damage knocked out power to 150,000 homes. |
| 2019-2020 Bushfire Season | The 2019-20 Australian wildfire season, nicknamed the Black Summer, was exceptionally severe. Fires devastated New South Wales from September 2019 to March 2020. Eastern and north-eastern Victoria’s woodlands burned uncontrolled for four weeks before the flames emerged in late December. |
Australia Natural Disasters Timeline
The following natural disasters in Australia timeline depicts the effects on Australia’s environment, economy, and communities, which have led to improvements in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.
| Year | Significant weather events |
| 1939 | In 1939, 71 people died, and thousands of homes were destroyed in the Black Friday bushfires in Victoria. |
| 1967 | The Tasmanian bushfires of 1967 were responsible for the deaths of 62 people and the destruction of thousands of buildings. |
| 1974 | Darwin, Northern Territory, was hit by Cyclone Tracy in 1974, killing 71 people and destroying 80 per cent of the city’s buildings. |
| 1983 | In 1983, 75 people were killed. Thousands of buildings were destroyed when bushfires swept Victoria and South Australia on Ash Wednesday. |
| 1991-1992 | Large-scale flooding in eastern Australia in 1991–1992 was responsible for 14 deaths and extensive property damage. |
| 2003 | Over 500 homes were lost in the 2003 Canberra bushfires, which also claimed the lives of four people. |
| 2009 | 173 people died, and thousands of buildings were destroyed in the Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria, Australia, in 2009. |
| 2010-2011 | In 2010 and 2011, floods in Queensland killed 33 people and caused billions of dollars in damage. |
| 2011 | In 2011, Cyclone Yasi ripped through North Queensland, destroying thousands of homes and businesses. |
| 2013 | Over 400 buildings in Tasmania were destroyed by bushfires in 2013. |
| 2019-2020 | Over 18 million acres of land in Australia were destroyed, and at least 34 people lost their lives during the 2019-2020 bushfire season. |
| 2021 | Flooding in Western Sydney and the Far North Coast was caused by a widespread weather event with heavy rain that lasted several days and extended into South East Queensland. At least 18,000 people had to be evacuated. |
What Natural Disasters Are Caused By Climate Change In Australia?
Several natural disasters have occurred in Australia as a result of climate change, including:
- Rising sea levels: One of the most catastrophic natural disasters that can be attributed to climate change is the increasing sea level in Australia. The planet’s warming has resulted in the melting of ice caps and glaciers, leading to increased sea levels. As a result, low-lying coastal areas are at risk of coastal flooding and erosion.
- Severe storms: The increase in storms of a severe nature across Australia, particularly along the east coast, can also be attributed to climate change. Damage to facilities and assets, as well as human lives, could be significantly impacted by these storms.
- Cyclone related extreme rain: The climate of Australia is also experiencing an increase in the frequency of extreme rainfall events, particularly in the country’s northern regions. This phenomenon is frequently associated with tropical cyclones, which are forecasted to increase in frequency and intensity as the planet warms.
- Flood risks: Due to heavy rainfall and increased sea levels, flooding has increased in many parts of Australia. Flooding has become more likely. This can lead to situations that are dangerous to one’s life, particularly in low-lying coastal areas.
- Extreme heat: Heat waves are becoming more common in Australia, particularly on the west coast. These heat waves can last for several days. These occurrences can potentially result in heat-related illnesses and deaths, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and children.
- Wind gusts: An increase in wind gusts and other extreme weather events is being caused by climate change. This is particularly the case in Western Australia. This can put people’s lives in danger, causing harm to property and power outages.
- Coastal erosion: Increased water levels cause coastal erosion in many parts of Australia, particularly in low-lying areas. This can lead to damage to property and infrastructure, in addition to putting people’s lives in jeopardy.
- Coastal flooding: Coastal flooding is caused by a combination of factors, including rising sea levels and coastline erosion, occurring in many parts of Australia. This can cause property damage and loss, as well as endanger the lives of coastal communities.
What Are Australia’s Five Costliest Natural Disasters?
The following natural disasters in Australia since 1970 caused more financial damages than the previous disasters (australia natural disasters statistics):
- Hail Storms in Sydney, 1999. Claims costs are currently around $5.8 billion, with total financial costs potentially much higher.
- 2019-20 Black Summer in NSW, VIC, SA, and QLD. The cost of claims is approximately $5.5 billion, with a total financial cost of approximately $10 billion.
- Tracy, a tropical cyclone, hit Darwin in 1974. Today, claims cost about $5.3 billion, with total financial costs of around $7 billion.
- Newcastle earthquake, 1989. Today’s claims costs are approximately $4.4 billion, with total financial costs of approximately $8.7 billion.
- Brisbane floods, 1974. Today’s claims costs are approximately $3.3 billion, with total financial costs of approximately $8.2 billion.
Why Is Climate Change Expected To Increase The Frequency And Severity Of Natural Disasters?
The warming of the Earth’s crust is causing this, which in turn is causing an increase in heat waves and droughts. Sea levels are rising due to glacial and ice caps melting, making coastal flooding and storm surges more likely.
Changes in weather patterns and more intense rainfall pose a greater threat, especially to areas like northern Queensland, which has a long history of experiencing devastating floods. As the oceans heat up and the atmosphere shifts, we can anticipate an increase in the intensity and frequency of wind events like tropical cyclones and severe storms.
Governments and communities must take action to lessen their exposure to and adapt to climate-driven natural hazards to lessen the potential for devastating damage and loss of life. Natural disasters like flash floods are common and can quickly put lives and property at risk.
When Was The Last Significant Earthquake In Australia?
The most recent significant earthquake in Australia, with a magnitude of 5.9, occurred on September 22, 2021. It was felt throughout southeastern Australia and was centred in Mansfield, Victoria.Why Is Australia Prone To Natural Disasters?
The location of Australia in the southern hemisphere makes the country vulnerable to natural disasters such as bushfires, floods, cyclones, and droughts. Due to its proximity to warm ocean currents (which can bring about tropical cyclones) and mountain ranges (which can bring about orographic rain and flash floods), the country is at an increased risk of natural disasters. Australia is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically active and volcanically active region. The frequency and severity of Australia’s natural disasters have increased due to climate change and human activities. Due to climate change, the country is experiencing increased bushfires and droughts. The simultaneous increase in floods and landslides results from urbanisation and land clearing. Ocean warming has also increased the intensity and frequency of tropical cyclones. All of these factors increase Australia’s susceptibility to natural disasters.What Is Disaster Resilience?
Disaster resilience refers to an individual’s, group’s, or system’s ability to prevent or mitigate damage, cope with emergencies, and recover from their consequences. There is a growing need for disaster resilience measures in Australia as the cost of natural disasters continues to rise, threatening human lives and the country’s economy. The following are some examples of such measures:- Risk Assessment: To conduct a risk assessment, one must first recognise potential dangers and then evaluate the frequency and severity with which they might affect people and their environments. Individuals and communities can better prepare for the future by conducting a risk assessment to determine what threats they may face.
- Early Warning Systems: An early warning system aims to provide timely information and alerts to vulnerable populations before, during, and after a natural disaster. These systems use various resources to warn people of potential dangers, such as meteorological data, sensors, and communication technologies. Resilience in the face of disasters relies heavily on early warning systems because they reduce the number of lives lost and the amount of property destroyed.
- Disaster planning: Disaster planning is about preparing for and effectively responding to natural disasters. Locating safe havens, emergency contacts, and evacuation routes may all fall under this category. Planning for disasters ahead of time allows individuals and communities to respond more quickly and effectively in an emergency.
- Education in the Community: Community education teaches people and groups how to anticipate, prevent, and recover from emergencies such as natural disasters. First aid, CPR, and other survival skills education may fall under this category. The ability of a community to withstand the effects of a natural disaster depends on its members’ familiarity with and preparation for the hazards they may face.
- Infrastructure Improvements: Increasing the resilience of our built environment to the effects of weather and other natural disasters is the goal of infrastructure improvement projects. Individuals and communities can better prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural disasters if they invest in and maintain resilient infrastructure.
How Can I Prepare For A Natural Disaster?
You can get ready for a natural disaster in the following ways:
- Stay informed: Stay updated with local weather forecasts and warnings, and follow any evacuation orders issued by local authorities.
When disaster strikes, the public should turn to ABC, the designated emergency broadcaster, for the most up-to-date information and guidance. ABC Local Radio can help you locate your station’s specific frequency.
- Make a strategy: Create a plan with your family or roommates for what you will do in an emergency, including where you will go and how you will communicate.
- Stock up on supplies: Create an emergency kit with nonperishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, and a radio.
- Insured losses: Get your losses covered by insurance and protect your belongings from extensive damage.
- Be psychologically prepared: Mentally prepare yourself for the possibility of a disaster, and plan how you will deal with stress and anxiety during and after the event.
Emotional readiness is essential in the face of natural calamities. It can give you power and control and improve your ability to anticipate and prepare for emergencies. It can also lessen the impact on one’s mental health in the short and long term after experiencing the trauma of a tragedy.
The Australian Psychological Society recommends taking the following three actions to be mentally ready:
- Anticipate: You should prepare yourself for the fact that a potentially life-threatening event will cause you to feel scared or apprehensive.
- Identify: Think about how your anxiety manifests in your body and whether or not your thoughts contribute to your distress.
- Manage: Use techniques like deep breathing and positive self-talk to control your emotions and your mind on the job.
You can lessen the psychological effect of natural disasters on your child if you know how to have a conversation with them.
- Consider remote areas: If you live in a remote area, be aware of the potential hazards and plan accordingly.
- Understand the economic impact: Be aware of the potential economic impact of a natural disaster, including the possibility of extensive infrastructure and property damage.
- Assess your situation: Consider your personal circumstances, including any medical or mobility issues affecting your ability to evacuate or access emergency resources.
- Seek assistance: Find government agencies or non-profit organisations that can provide financial assistance if a natural disaster strikes.
- Be aware of life threatening emergencies: Understand how to respond to life-threatening emergencies such as severe weather, flooding, or fires.
How Do Trap Bag Barriers Help Prevent Natural Disasters?
Trap Bag Barriers are a flood protection system that creates a barrier against incoming water by filling large bags with sand or soil. These bags are stacked and arranged in a specific pattern to form a stable and effective barrier to prevent flooding-related natural disasters such as flash floods, river floods, and storm surges.
The Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience (AIDR) recommends trap bag barriers as an effective flood protection solution in urban and rural areas. They are adaptable and can be quickly deployed in emergencies, making them a low-cost alternative to other flood-control measures.
Trap Bag Barriers can control erosion, create temporary road access, protect critical infrastructure such as buildings and bridges, and prevent natural disasters. However, they should not be viewed as a replacement for proper land use planning, which is the most effective long-term method to prevent natural disasters.
Overall, Trap Bag Barriers are an effective flood-prevention tool that should be included in any disaster preparedness plan. Despite significant advances in disaster preparedness and response, natural disasters continue to pose a significant threat to Australia, causing enormous economic loss and affecting people’s lives across the country.
Australia Climate Report
Australia experienced significant climate events in 2021, including a record-breaking heatwave in January that resulted in bushfires in Western Australia. Severe flooding struck parts of New South Wales and Queensland in March, causing widespread damage and displacement.
Australia’s climate policies and commitments will be scrutinised as it faces increasing pressure to accelerate its transition to a low-carbon economy. The government announced a target of net zero emissions by 2050 in April, a significant step towards mitigating the effects of climate change. However, some critics claimed that the plan needed more ambitious and concrete policy measures to achieve the goal.
IPCC issued a report in September 2021 highlighting the critical need for action to limit global warming and its consequences. The report claims that Australia is among the nations most at risk from climate change-related phenomena like rising sea levels and increased frequency of extreme weather events.
Overall, 2021 demonstrated Australia’s ongoing challenges in addressing climate change and the importance of sustained action and policy measures to mitigate its effects.
Weather And Disaster Alerts Australia
Australia’s public relies heavily on weather and disaster alerts to stay safe during extreme weather. The Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS) warns the public of potentially life-threatening situations. This alert system has a distinct tone followed by a short, to-the-point warning message.
Since frequent occurrences of extreme weather characterise the country’s climate, the Australian government, state and local government agencies, and emergency services all work together to provide accurate and up-to-date information about the current weather and any potential dangers it may pose.
In order to keep the public informed and enable them to take appropriate measures, this information is disseminated via various means, such as social media, websites, and mobile applications.
For instance, during bushfire season, authorities may advise people to leave their homes or issue evacuation orders. Warnings of impending flooding may also be issued to vulnerable areas.
Emergency services are prepared to help communities in need during extreme weather or natural disasters. Disaster relief in Australia is supported by government funding and resources.
Overall, Australia’s weather and disaster alerts are crucial to keeping people safe during storms and other dangerous weather. The Australian federal government, state and territory governments, and emergency services work together to ensure citizens can access the most up-to-date and accurate information possible.
When Do Natural Hazards Become Disasters?
Natural hazards become disasters when the following conditions occur:
- Affect human populations: A natural hazard may not be considered a disaster until it begins to impact human populations. Hazards such as earthquakes, floods, and wildfires become disasters when they cause damage to infrastructure, homes, and other critical facilities in human settlements.
- Exceed the capacity to cope: A natural disaster occurs when the intensity and magnitude of a natural hazard exceed the capacity of the affected population and response organisations to cope. A flood, for example, may not be considered a disaster if it only affects a few houses. However, if it floods an entire city, it can overwhelm response capacity and turn the situation into a disaster.
- Cause significant social or economic disruption: Natural disasters occur when natural hazards cause significant social or economic disruption, such as displacing people, destroying homes and infrastructure, disrupting transportation, and interfering with the normal functioning of communities.
- Lead to loss of life: Natural disasters occur when natural hazards result in the death of people. For example, an earthquake that causes no injuries or fatalities is not considered a disaster.
- External assistance is required: A natural hazard becomes a disaster when it requires outside assistance to manage. This assistance may include resources from other regions or countries and humanitarian assistance such as food, water, and shelter for the affected population.
How To Cope During A Natural Disaster?
In the event of a life-threatening emergency or a blaze:
- Dial triple zero (000).
- If dialling 000 from your cell phone fails, try 112.
- In the event of a flood, storm, or tsunami, dial 132 500 to reach your State Emergency Service (SES).
You can get further support and guidance by:
- Paying attention to the regional broadcasts.
- Making a call to the police department in your area.
- Checking the Bureau of Meteorology’s homepage for updates.
- Getting in touch with the local motoring authority to find out about road closures.
Get to a designated emergency evacuation centre if you think your home is in danger or authorities have ordered you to evacuate. If you need help determining your local government’s location, look them up online or on social media.
Here are some common guidelines for dealing with natural disasters in Australia:
Type Of Natural Disaster | Coping Strategies |
| Bushfires |
|
| Cyclone |
|
| Flood |
|
| Heatwave |
|
| Thunderstorm and Lightning |
|
It is critical to have an emergency plan in place before a natural disaster. In the Australian summer, bushfires and extreme heat waves are widespread; therefore, residents should take extra precautions. Locate your family members and contact them to ensure that everyone is safe. If you need emergency help, contact your local authorities immediately.
How To Cope After A Natural Disaster?
Here are some practical techniques to cope in Australia following a natural disaster:
- Seek medical attention if necessary: Seek medical attention promptly if you or anybody in your household requires it. Some injuries or medical conditions may necessitate emergency medical intervention.
- Ensure your fundamental necessities are met: Ascertain you have access to food, water, shelter, and other necessities. If you don’t have any of these, consider contacting local humanitarian organisations for assistance.
- Reach out to loved ones: Inform your family and friends that you are safe and enquire about their well-being. Sharing your thoughts and feelings with others might make you feel less alone and more supported.
- Take care of your physical health: Get enough sleep, eat healthy meals, and exercise regularly to keep your body in good shape. Stress and anxiety can be better managed with the help of regular physical activity.
- Practice self-care: Self-care includes reading, taking a warm bath, or listening to music that encourages relaxation. Self-care can aid in stress reduction and emotional well-being.
- Stay informed: Keep up to current on local recovery activities and resources. This can make you feel less overwhelmed and more in control.
- Seek professional assistance: If you are experiencing severe psychological distress, such as symptoms of depression, anxiety, or PTSD, don’t be afraid to seek professional assistance.
You can seek assistance from local mental health authorities or support charities, such as Beyond Blue and Lifeline, which advise those dealing with the emotional aftermath of a natural disaster. Additionally, consult with your doctor, who may have access to resources that might assist you in the aftermath of a disaster.
- Other Issues: There may also be practical matters to address, such as funds and insurance. The Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website provides information on financial support in the aftermath of a natural disaster (including the Disaster Recovery Payment).
You can dial 180 2266 to reach the Australian Government’s Emergency Information Line. You may be entitled to a ‘crisis payment’ if you have not received a Disaster Recovery Payment. For additional information, go to Services Australia.
Emergency Management in Australia
In the aftermath of disastrous fires and floods, the Australian Government merged the National Recovery and Resilience Agency and Emergency Management Australia to form the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on September 1, 2022. It was the Federal Government’s intention to create a unified, comprehensive agency to:
- React to emergencies
- Assist communities in their recovery, and
- Get Australia ready for the next big tragedy.
NEMA oversees and guides Australia’s disaster and emergency management operations. It maintains ongoing contact with local communities, assisting them in responding and recovering. They also assist Australia in preparing for future disasters by:
- Supporting programmes and activities that assist communities in preparing, responding, and recovering. This comprises disaster recovery money and the Disaster Ready Fund, which aims to mitigate catastrophe risk and damage.
- Working with communities, businesses, and non-governmental organisations by connecting local Recovery Support Officers and other NEMA workers across Australia. They share experiences learned, create knowledge about navigating government services, and gather ideas and concepts from the community and industry to improve strategic strategy and planning.
- Providing national leadership in disaster response through sharing expertise, situational awareness, and trends. They inform, guide, and influence the national image and decision-making at the Commonwealth, state, and local levels. They establish policies and strategies to increase risk reduction, resilience, and recovery.
- Providing 24-hour all-hazards monitoring and operational coordination for domestic and international catastrophes. Through the National Situation Room and the Australian Government Crisis Management Framework (AGCMF), they assist in readiness and response efforts.
Some emergency risk monitoring NEMA’s responses include:
- Supply chain disruptions
- Key infrastructure outages
- Biosecurity hazards, and
- Massive cyber-attacks are all possibilities.
The National Emergency Management Agency works with a variety of entities, including:
Organisations | Description |
| Australian Government National Situation Room | The National Situation Room (NSR) is the Australian government’s emergency operations centre. The NSR is a government-wide information hub and crisis management coordination centre operated by EMA around the clock. The NSR provides comprehensive monitoring and situational awareness across all levels of government for domestic and foreign events that could impact Australian or Australian interests. The NSR is permanently connected to emergency centres in each state and territory, allowing for constant monitoring of the situation. The NSR also runs the National Security Hotline, crucial to Australia’s national anti-terrorism activities, and organises physical Australian Government emergency aid. |
| Australian Climate Service | The Australian Climate Service helps with preparation, reaction, and recovery in a natural or climatic disaster. The operation of the service, established by the Australian Government in 2021, is directed by the recommendations of the Royal Commission on National Natural Disaster Arrangements. The service cooperates between the Australian Government’s Bureau of Meteorology, Geoscience Australia, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), and the Australian Bureau of Statistics. |
| Australian Tsunami Warning System | The Australian Tsunami Warning System is a joint effort by Emergency Management Australia, the Bureau of Meteorology, and Geoscience Australia. It provides Australia with accurate tsunami warnings promptly. The Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre is a part of this system, as are public awareness campaigns, crisis management at the national level, and aid for local emergency services around Australia. |
| National Coordination Mechanism | The National Coordination Mechanism (NCM) has been triggered in Australia due to the spread of COVID-19, as declared by the Prime Minister on March 5. Through the Department of Home Affairs, Emergency Management Australia’s National Coordination Manager (NCM) works with the states and territories to coordinate the federal response to problems beyond the purview of COVID-19’s direct health management. |
| Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience | Australia’s federal government also set up an organisation dedicated to making the country more resilient to natural disasters called the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience (AIDR). AIDR strengthens communities’ resilience to disasters through innovative thought leadership, continued professional education, and the exchange of information. It collaborates with Australian and international institutions to disseminate the country’s wealth of expertise. |
What First Aid To Perform In Case Of A Natural Disaster?
Understanding how to administer first aid in the aftermath of a natural catastrophe is crucial for saving lives and limiting the severity of injuries. The following procedures should be followed in the event of a natural disaster:
Initial Evaluation and Safety Measures
- Before beginning first aid, assessing the situation and taking any necessary steps to keep yourself and others safe is important.
- Be cautious around hazards like downed power lines, unstable structures, and contaminated water if you are in a disaster-stricken area.
Basic First Aid Techniques
- Caring for a wound, applying pressure to halt bleeding, and immobilising a broken bone or sprained ankle are all examples of first aid.
- You should be trained in CPR and be able to utilise an automated external defibrillator (AED) in the case of a cardiac arrest.
Handling Particular Ailments or Injuries
- Care for burns, hypothermia, dehydration, insect bites, and other potential disaster-related injuries and illnesses.
- Learn to see the signs of medical crises like a heart attack, a stroke, or an asthma attack, and know how to administer the appropriate treatment.
It’s crucial to be able to administer first aid to yourself and others in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Assessment, basic first aid procedures, and treatment for specific injuries or ailments are all part of this.
Taking a first aid course from a nationally accredited first aid provider and practising your newly acquired abilities will prepare you to respond more effectively in the event of a natural disaster.
