UPDATED 31st January, 2013
Queensland and parts of New South Wales are once again facing a major flood disaster.
While floodwaters peaked at lower than expected levels in Brisbane, other communities like Bundaberg – where some 2,000 properties have been affected – are facing record water levels.
Tens of thousands of homeowners in various communities have faced power cuts and Brisbane residents have been warned to conserve water. Six people have died.
Among those responding to the disaster is the Red Cross, whose staff and volunteers are working in 10 evacuation shelters along the Queensland coast, including in Bundaberg, on the Sunshine Coast and in Moreton Bay near Brisbane.
Matthew Cox, acting executive director of Red Cross in Queensland, says that while major towns such as Bundaberg and Ipswich have been significantly affected by the floods, it was becoming clear that many smaller communities across the region had been "devastated".
"The need in these flood-ravaged communities is great and we would encourage people and corporations to keep giving," he says. "Rebuilding and recovering from this devastating disaster will take a long time and people will need a lot of support."
As well as the $1 million donated to the Red Cross appeal by the Queensland Government, almost $300,000 had been donated as of Wednesday. The Red Cross has said it is not deducting any administration fee from the appeal.
Meanwhile, the Salvation Army which has already sent emergency teams into 11 communities.
Major Bruce Harmer, Salvation Army spokesman, says that “coming off the back of the destructive fires in southeast Australia, these storms have come as a shock to many."
"The destruction to property as well as the emotional impact on individuals and families is of great concern to us.”
Major Harmer says that while the Salvation Army’s initial response will involve working closely with emergency services to provide humanitarian support – primarily in the form of catering at the designated evacuation centres – they will also be providing ongoing support to individuals and families "once the full extent of the devastation becomes apparent".
Anyone impacted by the disasters and who requires emotional support should contact Salvo Care Line on 1300 36 36 22 (available 24 hours a day).
Meanwhile, Global Care – the social justice and disaster relief arm of Christian Outreach Centre, says the disaster is the worst in Bundaberg’s history.
Mark Riddell, senior pastor of Citicoast Christian Outreach Centre, says the flood is “way worse” than that of 2011, with thousands of homes and businesses under water including all of North Bundaberg and most of East Bundaberg under water.
“Our Citicoast Church has become an evacuation and food distribution centre for flood victims, and we are also helping with accommodation, and supplying showers and toilets," he says.
“People with power are baking and cooking, and we are putting the food into our cold room for distribution. The community spirit is amazing ” it seems everyone is only too happy to help."
He says the church is preparing for when the floods go down ” "that is when it will really hit people, which they go back to their homes and face devastation".
“It will be all hands on deck, with roller-coaster emotions and a lot of tears. It will take a long time for these people to recover, and our volunteers will do whatever it takes to help people cope and come to terms with the tragedy."
Anyone who can help with money, food or hygiene items is asked to contact Citicoast Church, 140 Elliot Head Road, Bundaberg – phone (07) 4153 2577 or email: [email protected]
– DAVID ADAMS
APPEALS:
• Queensland Floods Appeal 2013
Donate online at 1800 811 700 or see www.redcross.org.au
• Salvation Army Flood Appeal
Australians wishing to assist at this time can do so by donating to the Australian Disaster Relief Appeal online at www.salvos.org.au, by phoning 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) or in person at any Westpac branch or Woolworths and Big W stores across Australia. Donations over $2 are tax deductible.
