Australia Flood Relief (2022)

SITUATION UPDATE – November 15, 2022

For the tenth month in a row, Eastern Australia is still suffering the devastating effects of floods – in October, towns in northern Victoria were underwater, now towns in central NSW are inundated with flood waters. Two men have died as a result of their vehicle being swept away by flood waters in the central west of NSW.

A tremendous amount of water surged from Wyangala Dam on Monday (Nov 14), residents in the low lying areas of the large town of Forbes received order to evacuate at 7 AM in the morning after. The flood is currently put Eugowra town in the central west region of New South Wales underwater. One in five residents is directly affected, and the town suffered severe damage on electricity and communication lines.

On Saturday, Nov 5th, the Lachlan River peaked at almost 11 m, causing flood waters to inundate the town of Forbes. This is the second major flood in the town in 3 months. This time over 500 houses have been totally destroyed. Others who evacuated (over 1,000 households) are now returning to assess the damage caused by the floods, wading through a meter of water where they once padded across carpeted floors. The local government offices and local businesses suffered a similar fate, with employees returning yesterday to find computers floating in the offices.

Similar situations are occurring from the northern town of Morree south to Narrandera, and west to Bourke. It is forecasted that the flooding would hit Bourke and Breworina in December.

The clean-up will take months, and towns will not recover for years following such widespread flooding events. Local organizations have assisted in the past with the removal of mud and debris and with immediate needs. Energy companies are working and will work to reconnect 10,000s of homes to the electricity grid and to natural gas.

Flooding is expected to continue until into December as flood waters move through the inland river systems.

CURRENT NEEDS 

Various levels of government and not-for-profit organizations have offered generous support for communities and households affected by the floods. The needs during the flood and immediately flood waters start to recede are food, including cooked meals, medicines, clothing and bedding, and shelter, especially for the 23 towns in central and western NSW that are currently isolated due to road closures. Mental health support is also required and will be ongoing.  

Over the longer term, support to assist families to rebuild their lives, such as temporary housing, assistance with rebuilding, buying furniture, and recreating their homes, will be needed, as well as short-term grants to support families where jobs have been impacted by flooding. Small businesses will need similar support. 

OUR PARTNERS’ RESPONSES 

Give2Asia’s partners continue to support flood-affected communities during this most recent flooding in Victoria and during the recovery phase in other areas – due to the flood impact happening since February this year.  

Foodbank Australia 

The local teams on the ground are working very hard to pack and distribute food to families as well as to the community organizations and groups who are cooking meals for flood relief workers and people who have had to evacuate their homes. Foodbank Australia is continuing to actively supporting local organizations in NSW to provide food relief where required throughout the state, as well as delivering food hampers to families via the Australian Defense Forces. 

St. Vincent de Paul 

The Partner is providing food and essentials, fresh set of clothing, and emergency housing such as providing basic furniture or help pay rent, for disaster affected families. A donation of AUD 50 would provide groceries and essential items for one flood-affected families; AUD 150 can supply a fresh set of clothing to a person; AUD 300 would support home re-equipment; and AUD 1,100 can pay for a family’s rent while they repair their home damaged by the flood. 

HOW TO HELP 

Individual donors can donate online to Give2Asia’s flood relief fund. For large gifts (via check, bank transfer, or appreciated stock) or corporate giving opportunities, please request a consultation or email us at info@give2asia.org.