As clean-up and recovery operations ramp up, communities devastated by Cyclone Marcia are banding together for strength and looking to the outside for help.
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Australia is one agency who have rushed assistance to hard-hit Yeppoon and Rockhampton.
To date, 55,000 properties are reported as damaged, while 100 families have been left homeless, insurance companies already receiving in excess of 4,000 claims for damage. At its worst up to 100,000 properties were without power.
“The immediate threat has passed, but with that comes the realisation that clean-up and recovery may not be quick, nor easy”, said Kevin Munro, ADRA’s National Emergency Services Manager.
Kevin, and a small team of experienced ADRA volunteers have flown to Yeppoon to provide guidance and support as community groups begin providing assistance.
“The local church are in a great position to help,” he said. “They are already part of the community, have connections with other service providers and probably personally know many of those affected.”
“Our aim is to show ADRA’s support for the community and ensure the church can respond in a coordinated and effective manner. We hope that combining our expertise with their man-power will help the people of Yeppoon and Rockhampton recover quickly from this disaster.
ADRA is continuing to monitor the threat of flood as the tropical low moves south towards northern-New South Wales.
Those affected by Cyclone Marcia and requiring non-emergency assistance should call 1800 173 349.
In New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Western Australia and some parts of Queensland ADRA holds official agreements with government to facilitate short-term emergency accommodation for people affected by disaster.
ADRA Australia is a Christian aid and humanitarian agency that empowers communities and changes lives in Australia, the Pacific, Asia and Africa. It is a member of the Australian Council for Social Services and a member of the Australian Council for International Development.
For more information about these or any of ADRA’s work overseas or here in Australia visit www.adra.org.au or call 1800 242 372
Media Enquiries:
Braden Blyde
p 02 9489 5488
m 0407 172 305
e news@adra.org.au