Three months after the massive category four Cyclone Debbie struck, Red Cross continues to reach out to people in the Northern Rivers still struggling to pick up the pieces.
The severe weather event following Cyclone Debbie caused widespread damage and flooding in the Northern Rivers where six people died, schools and roads were closed, Lismore and Murwillumbah CBDs were inundated and many other towns and villages were isolated.
Red Cross has helped thousands of residents and visitors throughout the region. More than 140 Red Cross personnel have been on hand at Evacuation Centres, Recovery Centres, via outreach and in community work.
"We provide psychosocial support: we're there with a listening ear, a friendly face, information and connection, to help people reduce distress and cope with the situation. We do this at the height of the emergency and for years afterwards supporting the community on the long, difficult and complex path to recovery," Red Cross regional manager Janelle Cazaubon said.
"Disasters like these can be extremely distressing. We're here for the long haul, embedded into these communities to most effectively support local responses to recovery," she said.
"There are many difficulties and obstacles for people to rebuild their lives. Many flood-affected individuals, households and businesses still don't know what lies ahead due to unresolved insurance issues, despair over rebuilding, and increased lack of control and confidence.
"We're also seeing social isolation and displacement from routine life. Many people are not back in their homes and are disconnected from their community, family and in many instances their workplace.
"Since the flood there has been ongoing repeat heavy rain and wet weather, which has seen recurring road closures and isolation for many living in rural parts. The continuing rain has also impacted on peoples' wellbeing, with many people practicing hypervigilance, and there's increased evidence of anxiety and exhaustion."
Red Cross has begun Recovery Information Sessions to front-line community workers, giving insight into the normal reactions to an abnormal situation and is running Psychological First Aid (PFA) and recovery training in Lismore and Murwillumbah.
Red Cross is also working closely in the community with Community Neighbourhood and Community Centres, Community Associations, Schools, Local Government and Community Service providers. Red Cross is supporting upcoming community events in villages and towns to ensure moral support to devastated communities and to help build social connectedness.
"Whether this means supporting community barbeques and other events, door-knocking to check in on folks, or advocating for community outcomes, we're staying right where we're needed."
If you or someone you know has been affected by this - or any - emergency, Red Cross has resources to help you recover at redcross.org.au/emergencyresources. To help Red Cross provide valuable disaster assistance in times of emergency, you can donate to our emergency response and recovery work across Australia at redcross.org.au or by calling 1800 811 700.
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