Kimberley pastoralists face a nerve-racking wait to assess the extent of livestock losses and infrastructure damage from record flooding across North West Australia this week.
Former tropical cyclone Ellie's lingering presence in the Central Kimberley led to the Fitzroy River reaching a record height of 15.8 metres at Fitzroy Crossing — forcing residents of the town to be evacuated.
With unprecedented levels of water gushing downstream, numerous stations have been inundated.
Footage has emerged on social media of livestock and wildlife becoming trapped in the floodwaters and desperately trying to find higher ground — raising concerns over how many animals have been lost in the disaster.
Camille Camp's family own and operate Kalyeeda Station, 12km from the Fitzroy River, where she likened scenes of flooding on Wednesday to an "ocean".
"The speed that [the waters] were rising was just incredible," she said.
"When I say water I don't mean it was lapping — it was a raging river 20 metres from the front of our house.
"When you see photos of it from a chopper, it's like an ocean – there's nothing."
Ms Camp was flown from the station to a neighbouring property on Wednesday as floodwaters rose.
She said there would be livestock losses and property damage at her station, but was confident most cattle had made it to higher ground.
"We've lost at least one tank; our stables, arena and cattle yards have gone under," she said.
"It was a really tough day with the waters rising so quickly. Not knowing and being stranded on an island; it's pretty tough."
While the Kalyeeda homestead remained unharmed on Friday, it is understood several station homesteads have been lost.
Pain felt across industry
Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen's Association chairman Jak Andrews said the industry was likely to suffer heavy losses.
"It's stressful and distressing thinking about what might be occurring," he said.
"Pastoralists are in this industry because they love what they do and they love livestock, they love working on the land."
Once floodwaters recede and severe weather eased, Mr Andrews said pastoralists would use helicopters to muster remaining cattle to higher ground, feed and safety.
"The first point of call is to ensure staff on properties are safe – once that box has been ticked you'd most definitely turn to livestock, and ensuring the livestock are as comfortable as possible," he said.
"Pastoralists being pastoralists, we'll get behind each other and support those that need it."
Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson said the Australian Defence Force and state government were working to support impacted pastoralists, and disaster funding would be rolled out soon.
"Once we know the extent of the damage, we can then work out what needs to be replaced," he said.
"There is relief available that pastoralists who have received damage or have lost business can access and so that will roll out as we move forward."
Floods having 'devastating impact'
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said a C-130 aircraft had arrived in Western Australia.
"That's the second defence force aircraft full of defence personnel to provide on the ground support," he said.
Mr Albanese said his government stood ready to provide whatever support was needed.
"These floods are having a devastating impact," he said.
"Many of these communities are doing it tough and the resources simply aren't there on the ground.
"And — just once again — a shout out to both the professionals, whether they be ADF personnel [or] emergency services personnel, but also the volunteers … who provide such incredible support [and] put their own safety on the line to help their fellow Australians."
