Hundreds accommodated following Margaret River fires
28th November, 2011
Wahroonga, New South Wales — Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) volunteers in Western Australia have assisted more than 400 people affected by last week's devastating fires in Margaret River, south of Perth.
The fire, described by authorities as a 'controlled burn gone wrong' ravaged more than 2400 hectares, destroyed 39 houses and chalets, and left a damage bill estimated to be in the tens of millions of dollars.
Hundreds of residents in Margaret River and surrounding areas were forced from their homes as strong winds drove the flames forward.
'We helped accommodate 99 families in need," said Suzanna Culpovic, ADRA's State Disaster Recovery Co-ordinator for Western Australia. "This also included a number of people with disabilities, so we were able to accommodate them as far from the fires as possible."
A concert by Australian rock band Cold Chisel over the weekend presented a challenge as accommodation in hotels was scarce. But quick action by the team, combined with strong support from the community and the backing of the Department of Child Proectection, ensured all affected residents in need of accommodation have been supported.
ADRA volunteers will staff the evacuation centre for at least the next week to meet the ongoing needs of those who homes have been destroyed or damaged.
In the past 12 months ADRA Australia has responded to numerous national emergencies including flooding in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, along with international disasters including the Horn of Africa drought, Japanese earthquake and tsunami and Pakistan floods. ADRA Australia currently holds formal agreements to provide emergency accommodation during times of disaster in New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Queensland and Western Australia.
ADRA Australia implements a wide range of development and emergency response programs at home and overseas. ADRA Australia works with people in poverty and distress to create just and positive change through empowering partnerships and responsible action.
 | Hundreds accommodated following Margaret River fire (157 kb) |
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Media Enquiries:
Braden Blyde
p 02 9489 5488
m 0407 172 305
e news@adra.org.au
www.adra.org.au
