Worst Natural Disaster in Australian History

Worst Natural Disaster in Australian History
Australia, which is accustomed to water shortages and periods of drought, has been devastated by massive flooding since December. Queensland’s Premier called the recent flooding the worst natural disaster in Australia’s history. The hot ocean water off the coast of Australia is being blamed for the floods. A tsunami-like flash flood in the city of Toowoomba caused people to evacuate to their rooftops on January 10th. The cost and magnitude of the reconstruction is unclear, though experts say it could take years to clean up. A similar flood in 1974 had higher waters, though the infrastructure was less developed then. Environmentalists fear that the Great Barrier Reef could be in danger from the run-off. About 200,000 people have been affected by the floods.

1. According to the report, the people of Australia are accustomed to periods of drought.
2. The water was higher in 1974, but there is more infrastructure at risk this time around.
3. The report mentions the Great Barrier Reef because the run-off from the floods could put the reef at risk.