Ignoring impending risks in natural disasters

July 14, 2025

I write regarding “The Texas flood, Australia and the psychology of evacuation” (Chas Keys, July 12, 2025). Reading Mr Keys’ article reminded me of the catastrophic bushfire which raged through eastern Victoria and descended on Mallacoota in late December 2019-early January 2020. (Few will forget the many out-of-control bushfires that devastated large areas of eastern NSW and Victoria that summer.)

Mallacoota is a popular holiday destination, situated on the Lakes Entrance waterways. In December and January, the population swells from between 1000 to 2000 to about 10,000. While there are conflicting reports about the timing and nature of warnings given, it is agreed that the conditions were likely to lead to a catastrophic situation.

Nonetheless, approximately one half of the residents decided to wait out the looming crisis. With land access cut off, the subsequent rescue of residents by naval vessels was as dramatic and it was effective,

Thank you, Chas Keys, for shedding light on the factors that influence the decision-making of populations when faced with circumstances of rapidly evolving danger due to natural disasters; and for pointing to measures that may assist in ensuring the safety of those directly affected in the future.