<
https://theconversation.com/what-australia-learned-from-recent-devastating-floods-and-how-new-zealand-can-apply-those-lessons-now-200078>
"Australia and New Zealand have both faced a series of devastating floods
triggered by climate change and the return of the La Niña weather pattern. So
it makes sense that Australia has now sent disaster crews to help with the
aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle.
With five serious floods in the space of 19 months in 2021-2022, Australia’s
experiences – and how people responded – offer New Zealand a guide for
recovering and rebuilding after an extreme weather event.
The flooding events in both countries share two key common elements. First, the
floods broke previous records and were the largest in recent history. Second,
there were also repeat flood events.
In Auckland, there were two massive floods within five days, while Cyclone
Gabrielle became the Coromandel’s fifth severe weather event for 2023 and
devastated other parts of the North Island.
The other common factor is urbanisation. Auckland’s population has been
growing, resulting in the increasing development of the built environment.
Intensifying urban development places pressure on existing drainage systems –
parts of which are no longer fit for purpose.
Extensive built-up and paved areas with hard, impermeable surfaces can also
cause rapid run-off during heavy rain, with the water unable to be absorbed
into the ground as it would be in soft, vegetated areas."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
