01:47Australia: Somersby Zoo flooded after torrential rainfall hits NSW
After months of bushfires Somersby's zoo staff had to save koalas and other animals from torrential rainfall that flooded the zoo on Friday, 17 January, as they also had to keep back alligators with a broom.
Flash floods hit New South Wales (NSW) and turned paths and streets in and around the zoo into rushing rivers endangering animals as alligators tried to flee their pen thanks to rising water levels.
After bringing animals to safety, staff can be seen mopping a flooded indoor exhibition as well as trying to drain outside enclosures.
The flood has been called the biggest in the past 15 years with 40mm of downpour in one hour. The weather is expected to ease up with lighter showers by Wednesday. The NSW north coast has been one of the areas hit the hardest by heavy rainfall as coastal areas around the Australian continent is hit by torrential rain after months of scorching heat and raging bushfires.
Extreme climate events have claimed the lives of at least 27 people and around half a billion animals in bushfires or due to its aftermath since a record-breaking heatwave first triggered bushfires in September.
Mandatory Credit: Australian Reptile Park
Mandatory Tag: @austreptilepark for all Social Media and Online Usage
01:47Mandatory Credit: Australian Reptile Park/ Mandatory Tag: @austreptilepark for all Social Media and Online Usage
After months of bushfires Somersby's zoo staff had to save koalas and other animals from torrential rainfall that flooded the zoo on Friday, 17 January, as they also had to keep back alligators with a broom.
Flash floods hit New South Wales (NSW) and turned paths and streets in and around the zoo into rushing rivers endangering animals as alligators tried to flee their pen thanks to rising water levels.
After bringing animals to safety, staff can be seen mopping a flooded indoor exhibition as well as trying to drain outside enclosures.
The flood has been called the biggest in the past 15 years with 40mm of downpour in one hour. The weather is expected to ease up with lighter showers by Wednesday. The NSW north coast has been one of the areas hit the hardest by heavy rainfall as coastal areas around the Australian continent is hit by torrential rain after months of scorching heat and raging bushfires.
Extreme climate events have claimed the lives of at least 27 people and around half a billion animals in bushfires or due to its aftermath since a record-breaking heatwave first triggered bushfires in September.
Mandatory Credit: Australian Reptile Park
Mandatory Tag: @austreptilepark for all Social Media and Online Usage