Record rain in Sydney
Masses of creepy crawlies on the way – including the most poisonous spider in the world
Because of Australia’s historic rainfall, critters are migrating in droves, including the Sydney funnel-web spider
© Imago Images
The consequences of climate change are clearly felt in Australia. So far, 2022 has been characterized by constant rain and flooding on the east coast. This also attracts all kinds of crawling animals – including the most poisonous spider in the world.
There has almost never been so much rain in Sydney: just a month after the catastrophic floods on the Australian east coast, parts of the metropolis are again affected by heavy rain. In just three months, as much precipitation fell in the city with the world-famous opera house as it usually does in a whole year, the 7News broadcaster quoted a spokesman for the Australian meteorological authority as saying on Thursday. The situation was particularly dangerous in the southern suburbs of Woronora and Bonnet Bay, where authorities issued evacuation orders for thousands of residents.
Days of heavy rain had already led to historic flooding in February and March, especially in the north of the state of New South Wales and in neighboring Queensland. In Sydney it had rained almost continuously for two and a half weeks. At that time, meteorologists were already talking about the wettest start of the year in the country’s largest city since weather records began in 1858.
Crowds of creepy crawlies on the move in Australia
The humidity has another unwelcome effect: “Australia’s notorious ‘creepy crawlies’ are out in droves, seeking refuge from the relentless rain,” broadcaster 9News reported, citing experts. Numerous citizens reported a massive increase in leeches in social networks. But snakes and spiders are also on the rise, including the dangerous Sydney funnel-web spider – the world’s most venomous spider species. Since the development of an antidote in 1981, however, there has not been a single death that was clearly attributed to the spider.
A Sydney resident has donated half a dozen funnel-web spiders to the Australian Reptile Park’s antivenom program in the past two months alone, said the park’s reptile keeper Sam Hermann. This is a clear indication of the massive increase in sightings. But there is no reason to panic: the animals are not out to intentionally hurt people. It is best to stay calm and catch the animals safely – but also to have a compression bandage ready just in case.
The massive rains have caused historic flooding in Australia – and there is still no end in sight
© Steven Saphore / Picture Alliance
Meanwhile, there is no end in sight to the rain: Although it will subside over the weekend, new precipitation is expected from Tuesday, according to the weather service. “The ground is saturated with water, the rivers are full, the dams are at their limit,” said Dean Story of New South Wales State Emergency Services. The authorities also warned of possible landslides because of the unstable ground.