Wild Weather: South Australia Warned Of Heaviest Rainfall In 30 Years; Hundreds Of Animals Killed In Bushfires

The Australian weather bureau has warned of an incoming rainfall in South Australia that could be its heaviest in 30 years. The news came hours after authorities announced the containment of the bushfire northeast of Adelaide.

According to John Nairn from the weather bureau, parts of Australia are expected to record up to 200 millimetres of rain together with strong winds. The heavy rains could cause flooding in some areas. Nairn remarked that the focus is now on the incoming rain from the bushfires that destroyed dozens of homes.

The weather bureau noted that the last time South Australia has experienced heavy rainfall was in 1984. The rain is expected to develop north of the state near Cooper Pedy and would pass the eastern Mount Lofty Ranges, ABC reported. Up to 30mm rain has already hit parts of the areas where the fires have burned. As rain showers and thunderstorms continue, the amount of rainfall is expected to increase.

While the rain helped firefighters contain a bushfire northeast of Adelaide, lightning strikes caused by strong winds ignited about 70 fires across South Australia, but most of the fires were immediately put out by fire crews.

South Australia Premier Jay Weatherill has promised to give $1 million worth of aid, while Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced a disaster recovery payment of $1,000 per adult and $400 per child for families whose homes were totally destroyed or severely damaged by the bushfire.

While the firefighting crews have the fire under control, the Country Fire Service warned that fire danger still remained. Hundreds of animals were believed to have died from the bushfires in the Adelaide Hills. Animal rescue teams and vets went to parts of the burned areas to treat pets, livestock and wild animals, according to BBC. Animal welfare groups said many animals did not survive the fire, while others had to be put down since they cannot be treated.

According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in South Australia, many animals had been left without food or water. The number of animals lost to the fires remains unknown, said RSPCA Chief Executive Tim Vasudeva. The group was able to rescue pets like dogs, cats and horses in some properties. Wild animals like koalas were also removed from the devastated areas to treat the wounded.

Contact email: r.su@ibtimes.com.au