The Australian Defence Force (ADF) commenced Operation Flood Assist 23-1 on 6 January 2023 to provide assistance in the Kimberley region where heavy rainfall from Ex Tropical Cyclone Ellie isolated communities.
Following a request from the Western Australian Government (through the National Emergency Management Agency) Defence is providing three Royal Australian Air Force aircraft, including one C-130J Hercules and two C-27J Spartan aircraft, and five Australian Army helicopters, including three MRH-90 Taipans and two CH-47 Chinooks.
Defence is also providing more than 250 personnel to assist across aviation, general duties support, logistics and coordination support.
To date, the ADF has assisted in relocating flood affected persons within and from the Kimberley region, moving emergency relief supplies, damage assessments, key leadership engagement and general duties support.
In recent days, Defence landed a C-27J and two helicopters for the first time at Fitzroy Crossing airstrip, delivering supplies and transporting WA DFES personnel to conduct damage assessments.
Defence is also helping to conduct aerial reconnaissance of areas including the Gibb River Road and Mount Barnett and continues to transport stores and personnel between Broome, Derby, Fitzroy Crossing and Port Hedland.
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