Australia deploys soldiers as heavy rainfall lashes southeast

By Necva Tastan

ISTANBUL (AA) - Australia said its defense force will be deployed Tuesday as heavy rainfall continues in the southeast, according to Canberra-based ABC news.

Emergency Management Minister of Australia, Murray Watt, said the government will deploy 50 personnel to help in the recovery.

“In particular, those ADF (Australia Defense Force) personnel will be focusing on the clearance of debris to enable better access to essential infrastructure,” said Watt.

It is expected that heavy rainfall and flash flooding that begin Monday will continue in the southeast until late Tuesday and early Wednesday, according to the Meteorology office.

It warned that “falls could exceed 350mm (13.78 inches) over the next 24 hours.”

Intense rainfall elevated the risk of landslides and debris blocking roads, it added.

The state disaster coordinator acting deputy commissioner reported 45 rescues since Monday, with the possibility of fatalities.

In Queensland, the minister of employment introduced concessional loans that will be jointly funded that will be accessible to small businesses affected by the storm.

"This support includes disaster assistance concessional loans of up to $250,000 to repair or replace damaged buildings, plant, stock and equipment," said Lance McCallum.

Since Tropical Cyclone Jasper in early December, 78,000 people have applied for personal hardship assistance in the state.