Aidan Ricketts used his 4.5-metre boat to steer people and pets to safety. Meanwhile, relief groups like Sikh Volunteers Australia have been preparing to offer aid and food to those affected by the natural calamity
As parts of Australia grappled with unexpected and heavy floods, local heroes have not lagged behind.
On Monday, March1, Aidan Rickettsof Lismore woke up to find his house surrounded by floodwater. He quickly moved his family to safety in his 4.5-metre boat. He then quickly decided to rescue others, trapped by the rising floodwaters
Although this was Rickett’s first experience of a flood of such intensity it did not stop him from continuing his rescue efforts.
Talking to The Guardian, he said he felt compelled to help others despite having barely slept for the past 48 hours.
“We began with our immediate neighbourhood and our hands were instantly full, but we found that whenever we went just one street further there would be another five or so households needing help,” he said.
He added, “The rescuing thing is addictive because every time you go down a street and get one person you see five others.” He recalled ferrying at least 16 people and five dogs to safer places.
Wild animals are also being displaced due to floods. A video showing a kangaroo entering a house to seek shelter from floods is circulating online.
Meanwhile, relief groups like Sikh Volunteers Australia have been preparing to offer aid and food to those affected by the natural calamity.
Between February 23 to February 28, many places in Queensland and New South Wales recorded almost 2.5 times higher rainfall than average. The New Scientists reported that experts are referring to the unrelenting rains as a “rain bomb”.
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