News

NEWS Northern Rivers NSW - More Wet Weather

By Hollie Mariconte

“If one devastating weather event was not enough, the Northern Rivers were hit by another flood on March 30…”

February 28 brought huge devastation across Northern Rivers with great floods.

This weather event has been catastrophic and the Northern Rivers have never seen floods this high before. Overcoming previous flood records of 12.11 meters to 14.37 meters.

If one devastating weather event was not enough, the Northern Rivers were hit by another flood on March 30, putting the already damaged towns in danger and isolating them from the world a second time. The only difference this time is that people’s homes have already been emptied and there’s less debris. This does not make it easier for residents as they try to return home and start rebuilding their lives.

Five weeks later and little has changed in the region, except for the lost memories that filled every street have been removed from the sidewalks. Many people are traumatised, homes are still empty, thousands of people are still homeless, and many cannot access government subsidies or grants with all the administrative formalities involved. This has been one of the biggest challenges for all people caught up in this disaster.

Donations arrive daily in these towns, and will have to continue to do so in the foreseeable future. We want these towns and their residents to recover as quickly as possible, and they cannot do it alone.

Further rains are expected in the region and will continue next week. Many residents are surprised that this continues to happen five weeks after the original devastation. People are already getting prepared and heading to higher ground before it’s too late. The expected rain is enough to carry the already inflated streams and rivers over the edge. Donations are welcome and we recommend using recommended and proven organisations to offer your support.

Image Credits: Hollie Mariconte