Western Australia’s ‘worst’ flood reveals vulnerability of supply chains as 100 residents airlifted out

Experts call for a multidisciplinary approach, with climate-related disasters to continue disrupting freight delivery

Western Australia’s “worst ever” flood has further highlighted the vulnerability of Australia’s supply chains, experts say.

On Saturday, record levels of water were pouring down the Fitzroy River, which had created a 50km-wide inland sea. The water across the Kimberley region had shut down parts of the crucial Great Northern Highway, damaged the bridge at Fitzroy Crossing and inundated the airstrip. And 105 people had been relocated from the region, with more expected to be airlifted out in the coming days.

Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup