RAINFALL RECORDS have been smashed in Broome, after two years worth of rain fell on the region in just two months.

A severe weather update put out by the Bureau of Meteorology on Saturday reported that almost 1.5 metres of rain had fallen since the start of the year and confirmed that Broome had experienced its wettest February day since 1896, with 370mm falling in just 24 hours, double the previous record.

“The extreme rainfall we’re seeing in Broome just adds to the long list of record-breaking weather events occurring across Australia, as a direct result of intensifying climate change,” said Climate Councillor and climate scientist Professor Will Steffen.

“As pollution from burning fossil fuels continues to be emitted into our atmosphere we can expect more intense and more frequent extreme rainfall across the country.”

The West Australian tourist hotspot was hit with its fourth cyclone for the season, threatening lives, homes and infrastructure, as well as cutting off food supplies as a result of major highway closures.

“Broome has been hit for the second time this month and has been left completely isolated due to flooding,” said Professor Steffen.

“Our window of opportunity to tackle climate change is closing quickly. We must urgently slash our rising greenhouse gas pollution levels in order to protect Australians from escalating extreme weather events, including rainfall and flooding that is placing lives at risk.”

Professor Steffen called on the Federal Government to speed up Australia’s transition to a 21st Century energy grid, in order to cut pollution and tackle climate change.

“States and Territories are already leading the charge when its comes to Australia’s transition to clean, affordable and reliable renewable energy and storage technology, we just need the Federal Government to do the same.”

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