Must not joke about floods

There are extensive droughts in parts of Australia so accounts of floods elsewhere can be a bit painful

AN attempt at a joke has backfired spectacularly on Australia’s Ambassador to the United States, Joe Hockey.

The former treasurer took to Twitter overnight to share a video news report about heavy rain and flooding in India.

“Please sent to Australia — rain welcome party will be arranged,” Mr Hockey wrote, in an apparent joke about the country’s continuing drought crisis.

However, the death toll from flooding in the Indian state of Kerala has hit 75 and could rise even further, as authorities battle to rescue trapped residents.

The insensitive remark has sparked a social media backlash, with Twitter users attacking Mr Hockey and labelling him “out of touch” and a “jerk”.

“Really Ambassador @JoeHockey? When scores of people have died? On the anniversary of India’s independence? And at the same time your government and India want deeper ties?” Prasanna Kovalam wrote.

Terry Dwyer added: “You should give a little more thought before commenting on a disaster. Try to imagine how you would feel if your family was caught in it.”

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