31 March, 2017

ADRA emergency management teams are responding to major flooding in Northern NSW and Southeast Queensland.

ADRA volunteers at the Kingscliff Evacuation Centre in the Northern Rivers helped more than 150 people find emergency accommodation on Thursday.

ADRA NSW Emergency Coordinator Janice Frey said flooded roads and full motels were proving a challenge.

“There are a lot of people in Evacuation Centres and we’re accommodating as many as we can. But road access and motel capacity are significant problems,” Ms Frey said.

“Cancelled flights and extra SES personnel in the area mean many motels are full.”

TC Debbie flooding 2

Major flooding has engulfed coastal regions from north Queensland to northern NSW

At Kyogle SDA church, ADRA volunteers have accommodated three people, while church members and community organisations have banded together to assist flood evacuees by catering dozens of meals from within the church kitchen.

ADRA has an active presence helping evacuees find accommodation at other Evacuation Centres in Lismore, Benora Point, Ocean Shores.

ADRA’s role in Evacuation Centres in NSW is to provide accommodation for people in motels in the first few days after a disaster. ADRA works closely with the NSW Department of Family and Community Services (FACS) at the centres.

South Queensland Conference ADRA Director Irena Larking said despite significant rainfall over the past few days, the situation appeared to be calm.

“Yesterday we had one distressed phone call from two families in Gladstone, but they are okay now,” Ms Larking said.

“We’re working closely with local churches and pastors who are feeding information to us. Once we know the needs we can assess and help where we can.”

On Friday afternoon ADRA representatives flew to Bowen to take 500 litres of water and two generators to the town, one of the most isolated areas after the main road was blocked due to flooding.

The plane was generously provided by Townsville Aviation School at a discounted rate.

TC Debbie water loading

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