Australians Get Welcome Relief as Torrential Rain Helps Ease Bushfires

Embed from Getty Images

There's finally some relief for those battling against the Australian bushfires, which have been raging since last summer. Since Thursday, an incredible amount of rain has swept over the affected areas—some of which have been facing droughts for years. While the downpours didn't put out all of the fires—82 are still burning—it did manage to extinguish a quarter of what was blazing. Across the country, people are celebrating this onset of rain, but there are some issues arising because of the sudden storms.

As the rain settled in, with some areas reportedly getting a month's worth in a few hours, there were concerns about flash floods. And as forecasters predict more rain in the coming days, the flood threat increases. Part of the issue is that in many areas affected by the long period of drought, as well as those burned in the bushfires, there is a lack of vegetation to soak up the water. This causes the rain to simply run off the ground, washing debris and ash onto the roads. Additionally, trees that have been weakened by the fires are at risk of falling.

In Victoria, the State Emergency Service posted several photos of the wreckage on Facebook, including a photo of a massive, 13-foot-deep sinkhole that opened up. However, there's no doubt that, even with these issues, the rain is what many have been praying for. For those suffering in the fires, as well as the firefighters working to put out the flames, there's no better gift.

“This will be all of our Christmas, birthday, engagement, anniversary, wedding and graduation presents rolled into one,” New South Wales RFS posted to Twitter. “Fingers crossed.”

Firefighters are embracing torrential downpours that are assisting their efforts to combat the Australian Bushfires.

However, the rain has also caused its own issues, including fallen trees and massive sinkholes.

But overall it's good news, with those affected by fires and drought are also celebrating.

h/t: [CNN]

Related Articles:

Viral Posts Claim Wombats Are Shepherding Animals to Their Burrows During Australian Bushfires

Courageous Border Collie Leads 900 Sheep to Safety During Australian Bushfires

How 25 Artists Are Using Their Art to Express Their Sadness Over the Australian Bushfires

The Irwin Family Has Treated Thousands of Animals Injured in the Australian Bushfires

Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Contributing Writer and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book 'Street Art Stories Roma' and most recently contributed to 'Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini'. You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits

Sponsored Content