A new year is often a fresh start for some, and an ideal time to reflect on the past twelve months. But residents in the Kimberley region in WA have had little time to do that, with multiple communities currently facing extreme floods that have caused widespread damage.
Major Pam Marshall, Corps Officer at Karratha, along with Kris and Julie, Salvation Army State Emergency Services volunteers from Perth, have set up relief operations in Broome and Derby to support the communities affected by the devastating floods. They are providing Woolworths vouchers for food and essential items, and assisting people that have been displaced from their homes and communities with support available and next steps.
Flood support for Western Australia
The first step of the assistance and recovery efforts involves liaising with those affected in the Kimberley region, to assess their needs. The Salvos are working with the Department of Communities, Red Cross and other non-government agencies, to ensure everyone displaced is receiving the help they require.
Being faced with a flood is a distressing experience, and according to Pam, those affected are keen to have someone to talk to, to help them process the turn of events – and the Salvos are doing just that.
The Salvos team discovered that many people who visited the Broome area for medical treatment before Christmas were unable to return home. Pam describes the unfortunate turn of events, “Although some people sensed that the rain was coming. They arrived by bus and have no way of heading back now.”
Extreme flooding isolates remote areas
Having to evacuate your home and make split second decisions about what to take and leave in case of a weather emergency is probably one of the toughest decisions anyone can ever make.
As part of her assistance efforts, Pam visited a couple who were looking after their grandchild. Pam explains, “Initially, they thought they would be unaffected. But as they watched the water come up, they saw the first step disappear, then the second step, then they saw water bubbling up through the floorboards of the house as the third step was also covered. The water was chest-height before they were evacuated.” The couple mentioned that the water never came this high last time.
This family were evacuated by boat, and then plane, arriving in Broome with only the clothes they were wearing.
The collapse of the main bridge at Fitzroy Crossing that connects the north and south of WA, has displaced and cut off residents, and left them with no travel options except taking a flight. As Pam explains, “We are seeing a loss of normality, a loss of independence, the loss of homes, and most of all, a loss of community.”
Due to the pressure of needing to escape flood waters, there are also those who are escaping domestic violence situations. The Salvos team and other agencies are assisting these people many with their children, who are seeking refuge.
Approximately 500 people in Broome are trying to get back to their community. “People are stranded. Their lives have been shattered. They have lost everything, including the feeling of safety”, says Pam.
Towns faces accommodation crisis
The aftermath of the flood has resulted in overcrowding in many homes. As Pam explains, “There are a lot of people sleeping in parks as they have been displaced from the floods, but it is hot and humid. Many stranded people are trying to bunk down with families, which means overcrowding in homes, and this arrangement doesn’t help with domestic violence.”
Many homes are now unhabitable due to the floods, with water reaching high levels. “To get accommodation in the town is hard yakka at the moment,” Pam states.
Flood support from the Salvos
The floods in WA have been devastating for affected residents. Flood help is currently being offered by the Salvos and we know that there is a lot more to do. For those who are completely cut-off from their community, it’s imperative that flood support continues to get people back to normality.
Residents are aware that there is flood support available in Broome and appreciate the help immensely.
Community stands together in Western Australia
Residents have not only lost their homes and possessions, but their community too. Pam, Kris and Julie are working hard to keep family and friends together. “After all, they won’t be allowed back home for months until clearance is issued,” states Pam.
For affected residents in the Kimberly region, their aim is to get back on their feet and return home. The Salvos are there to help those affected by the floods, now and in the future. Pam’s message is quite clear – “We’d love to see people back in their own communities when it is safe.”
For more information and assistance on the WA floods, please visit our
