Australia fights locust invasion

A potentially devastating outbreak of locusts is brewing in the Australian outback. This year’s weather in the south of the country has provided the ideal breeding conditions for the winged-insects.

The locusts, which are undergoing a population boom not seen in the country in 40 years, are notorious for their tendency to ravage agricultural lands. They have the potential to inflict huge damage to crops.

The government has spent nearly $13m to set up control centres to monitor and spray deadly chemicals over areas where the bugs are infesting.

Al-Jazeera’s Gerald Tan reports from the rural town of Orroroo in south Australia.