One-in-100 year flood in the Kimberley

Recently, people in the Kimberley experienced a one-in-100-year flood event in the wake of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie, the worst flooding WA has ever seen. Many communities were affected by the Kimberley floods and the destruction continues to be devastating.

As a flight nurse for the RFDS, you never know what your day could involve. Being a member of the search and rescue crew during the Fitzroy floods was an experience I won’t forget. Seeing from the sky, the damaging effects of the floods was devastating. So many people in Fitzroy Crossing and surrounding communities have lost everything and will need ongoing support to rebuild their lives.

Emily Weekes, Flight Nurse

Communities in the Kimberley will be recovering and rebuilding for months. RFDS is supporting the recovery effort wherever, whenever.

How did the RFDS respond?

Continued urgent patient transfers with minimal interruption, including dialysis patients, a woman in labour, and other time critical emergencies.

Relocated crews and aircraft from Broome to Port Hedland to ensure services could continue in the region.

Participated in rescuing people from Fitzroy using PHI Aviation helicopters.

Provided the Australian Defence Force with space at our Broome base to help distribute freight and equipment to affected communities.

Assisted WA Country Health Service to transport equipment for telehealth clinics.

Participated in the multi-agency response led by Department of Fire and Emergency Services to assist with the region’s recovery.

We modified a daytime-only airstrip in Cadjebut to 24-hour accessibility in response to a request for assistance from the WA Country Health Service and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services. We sourced emergency airstrip lighting so the airstrip can be used at night. Cadjebut is located along the Great Northern Highway, south east of Fitzroy Crossing. With eastern areas of the Fitzroy Valley currently cut off by road, a 24/7 airstrip in this location will make an important contribution towards recovery efforts in the region and help ensure patient retrievals can continue as needed.

Give when you go. The RFDS is a free service. Donate when you travel. It doesn’t matter where you are in Western Australia – the Flying Doctor is there to help in an unexpected medical emergency. Donate at: rfdswa.com.au/autumn