Australian PM announces support for victims of record flooding

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced federal support for victims of severe flooding in Western Australia (WA).

Albanese on Monday toured remote communities affected by unprecedented flooding in the remote Kimberley region of northern WA with state Premier Mark McGowan.

Since Dec. 30, parts of the region have received up to 500 mm of rain as former tropical cyclone Ellie made landfall, causing the Fitzroy River to break its banks.

Hundreds of residents have been airlifted out of affected communities after roads were inundated, leaving farms to rely on airdrops to keep livestock alive.

Albanese on Monday announced joint federal and state disaster recovery funding for four WA shires and one in the Northern Territory (NT).

Affected residents will be eligible for grants to repair their homes and replace damaged goods.

The prime minister said the biggest challenge would be repairing heavily damaged infrastructure. "Quite clearly there's going to be massive infrastructure investment required," he told WA radio.

"There will also be required support for individuals. And that support needs to be not just financial, of course, but we need to bear in mind the need for counseling and support as well."

Concerns that the NT would face more flooding eased on Sunday as Ellie subsided and severe weather warnings were canceled.