ADRA Responds to Floods in Northern NSW
22nd May, 2009
Wahroonga, New South Wales — In response to severe weather and flooding in northern New South Wales, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Australia has activated its disaster recovery teams and is coordinating emergency accommodation for those affected by the disaster.
The torrential rain and damaging winds, which commenced in the region earlier this week, has already seen the evacuation of hundreds in Lismore and surrounding areas, and threatens to inundate the towns of Grafton and Ulmarra. ADRA Australia has provided emergency accommodation for people affected in and around Lismore, and is preparing for further evacuations in Grafton, Ulmarra and other areas.
"The weather conditions in this region are extreme and there are a lot of people affected," said ADRA Australia's Disaster Recovery Coordinator for NSW, Bruce Prince. "Our hearts go out to people who have been affected and to the many who have had to leave their homes and belongings."
ADRA Australia's disaster response is part of a formal arrangement under the NSW Department of Community Services (DoCS) Disaster Plan, which also includes St Vincent de Paul Society, Australian Red Cross, the Salvation Army and Anglicare. Under this arrangement, each agency provides a specific service during a disaster or crisis, with ADRA Australia coordinating emergency accommodation. ADRA Australia facilitates accommodation for people affected by disaster and, at times, the emergency response personnel called in to respond. ADRA Australia works with local accommodation venues, such as hotels, motels and caravan parks, to provide accommodation. When conventional accommodation is unavailable, arrangements are sometimes made to provide mattresses in large halls.
ADRA Australia's disaster response in NSW, along with those of other Disaster Plan partners, is implemented by teams of trained volunteers. Volunteers are sourced from local communities and participate in regular training exercises and simulation events to ensure a prompt and coordinated response.
ADRA Australia also coordinates emergency accommodation in the Australian Capital Territory, Western Australia and Queensland, in formal arrangement with relevant state governments and local councils.
Under the NSW Disaster Plan, St Vincent de Paul Society provides essential personal materials, such as blankets, mattresses, toiletry packs and clothing; Australian Red Cross provides personal support, such as information and, on occasion, arranges counselling services; The Salvation Army provides catering on site and in evacuation centres; and Anglicare provides general support as directed by DoCS.
ADRA Australia is a non-government organisation (NGO) engaging in sustainable community development and emergency management for people in Australia, the Pacific, Asia and Africa. It is fully accredited with the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and is signatory to the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) Code of Conduct. The ADRA network has a presence in 125 countries. For more information about ADRA Australia visit www.adra.org.au.
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Media Enquiries:
Candice Jaques
p 02 9489 5488
m 0407 172 305
e news@adra.org.au
www.adra.org.au
