Endless Flooding in Oceania

Ever since 2021, Australia, or more specifically its eastern region, has witnessed tons of floods after it reached a point of highly unusual wet conditions, with the most recent set of floods being within October to November 2022. Constant, intense rainfall (of which has been about four times higher than the average) has led to these severe floods and threatened the lives of many, while also leading to frustration throughout the continent. Unfortunately, it appears that the best they can do is simply endure the floods until they are eventually over, which does not appear to be near us as of current due to the immensely wet conditions the region has been experiencing.

Previously in February and March, there were floods that killed at least 13, forced thousands out of their homes, submerged entire towns, and cut power within New South Wales. Similarly today, the floods of October-November yet again have threatened this part of Australia, with as many as 90+ flood warnings in place prior to the floods themselves. The worst part about these floods is that they are occurring within two of the most populated states in Australia, being New South Wales and Victoria, which has caused a large amount of displacement within the continent. However, what's important to ask is why are these floods occurring in the first place and what is believed to be the main cause of the major wetness?

Many have attributed the flooding in Australia to a whether phenomenon known as "La Nina". Essentially, what happens is that the Pacific Ocean begins to cool down to an unusual level, which then affects the area above it by lowering the air pressure. This then leads to rainfall and highly wet conditions around the area. La Nina is especially prevalent within Southeast Asia due to its location and is likely why there have been many floods for the past year. One important thing to note is that it only lasts for 1-3 years usually, so there is a possibility that the floods in Australia could stop soon, although it is difficult to tell for sure. As of now, it appears that they won't stop within this month due to the floods they are currently dealing with.

I chose to research this topic specifically on Australia itself due to a friend of mine who resides there. I don't exactly know where they live, although it does seem that they aren't nearby Southeast Asia since they don't often mention the major floods. Another reason I decided to research flooding is due to the fact that I've never really lived in an area that could have experienced floods, so it is interesting for me to learn what can commonly cause them and how devastating they can be (unfortunately). This was definitely a worthwhile pick since I now know about specific things such as La Nina which I previously never even knew the existence of.

“Flooding in Eastern Australia.” NASA, NASA, https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/150542/flooding-in-eastern-australia.

“More Flooding in Australia's Soggy Southeast.” NASA, NASA, https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/150625/more-flooding-in-australias-soggy-southeast.

Person, and Renju Jose. “Australia Battles Floods as Frustration Swells over Relief, Warnings.” Reuters, Thomson Reuters, 18 Nov. 2022, https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/australia-battles-floods-frustration-swells-over-relief-warnings-2022-11-18/.

Reuters. “Australia's East Braces for More Heavy Rain, 'Life-Threatening' Floods.” Oceania – Gulf News, Gulf News, 22 Oct. 2022, https://gulfnews.com/world/oceania/australias-east-braces-for-more-heavy-rain-life-threatening-floods-1.91431954.