On a Friday afternoon in Perth, more than 100 millimetres of rain fell in just under an hour, causing chaos in the city’s northern suburbs. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services responded to 56 calls for assistance related to water ingress and flooding in areas such as Clarkson, Butler, Ridgewood, and Nowergup. People had to be rescued from their cars on flooded roads, and a shopping centre ceiling even collapsed due to the heavy rain. A total of 60 SES volunteers and Career Fire and Rescue Service personnel were involved in responding to the emergency.
Clarkson was the suburb that was worst hit by the heavy rainfall, with Riverlinks Drive experiencing significant flooding. The total rainfall for the month of April in Perth had been zero prior to this storm, but Friday’s downpour brought the total close to 150 millimetres, the highest ever recorded for the month of April dating back to 2008. Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Robert Lawry admitted that they had not anticipated the storm to reach the coast with such intensity, leading to the unprecedented amount of rainfall experienced in such a short period of time.
Glenn Hall, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services metropolitan north coastal district officer, expressed his surprise at the amount of rain that fell in such a short time, calling it “fairly unprecedented.” This event highlighted the vulnerability of coastal suburbs to heavy rainfall and the necessity for emergency services to be well-prepared for such situations. The quick response of the 60 SES volunteers and Career Fire and Rescue Service personnel saved many people who were trapped by the floodwaters in their cars, ensuring their safety during the sudden and intense storm.
The impact of the heavy rainfall was widespread, with many homes experiencing water ingress and flooding as a result of the storm. The flooding in the coastal suburbs of Clarkson, Butler, Ridgewood, and Nowergup disrupted normal life and caused significant damage to infrastructure and property. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services worked tirelessly to address the calls for assistance and provide support to those affected by the severe weather conditions. The need for swift and effective response to emergencies caused by extreme weather events was evident in this situation.
As a result of the unprecedented rainfall, the city of Perth faced challenges in managing the sudden influx of water and the subsequent flooding in various parts of the northern suburbs. The storm served as a reminder of the importance of proper infrastructure and disaster preparedness in protecting communities from the impact of extreme weather events. The resilience and dedication of the emergency services personnel and volunteers who responded to the calls for assistance were instrumental in ensuring the safety and well-being of residents affected by the heavy rainfall and flooding on that fateful Friday afternoon in Perth.
