Cyclone Fina's Impact
Tropical Cyclone Fina, classified as a Category 3 system, struck the Top End of Australia, bringing winds of up to 195 km/h and torrential rain. The cyclone, the strongest to approach Darwin since Cyclone Tracy in 1974, caused extensive damage, including downed trees and destroyed buildings. By Sunday morning, many residents were left without power, and significant rainfall of 168.6 mm was recorded at Darwin Airport. Fortunately, there have been no serious injuries reported, but residents are now preparing for a major cleanup.
Parliamentary Standoff Over Environmental Laws
In Canberra, the Australian government faces a tense standoff as negotiations continue over new environmental laws aimed at protecting native forests. The Greens party is pushing for stronger protections as part of these negotiations, with spokesperson Sarah Hanson-Young emphasizing the urgency of the situation. She highlighted the plight of over 2,000 endangered species and criticized government spending that supports the logging industry. The government is appealing to minor parties with concessions to secure the passage of these laws, but the outcome remains uncertain.
Peregrine Falcons Take Flight
In a lighter development, three young peregrine falcons have successfully taken their first flight from a ledge atop a skyscraper in Melbourne's Central Business District. The chicks, two females and one male, hatched in late September and drew considerable public interest through a live stream of their nest. While one falcon experienced a dramatic crash landing, it managed to take off successfully on its second attempt, marking a significant milestone for the species.
Rise in Snake Handling Courses
In Queensland, there has been a notable increase in the number of people training to become snake handlers, as more Australians encounter venomous snakes. A recent course led by herpetologists Christina Zdenek and Chris Hay has attracted attention due to the growing demand for snake catchers across the country. They noted that the increase in human population is leading to more interactions with snakes, prompting a boom in the snake handling industry. The course aims to educate participants on safely managing encounters with some of the world's most venomous snakes.
Wrap-up
As Tropical Cyclone Fina leaves its mark on the Northern Territory, the Australian government is under pressure to address environmental concerns amid legislative negotiations. Meanwhile, wildlife enthusiasts celebrate the successful flights of peregrine falcons, and a growing interest in snake handling highlights the changing dynamics of human-wildlife interactions in Australia.
Sources
theguardian.com
@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team
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