The NSW north coast being smashed...again

 

The NSW mid-north coast is really not having much luck this year with its second major flood is as many months. This time it is far, far worse than the previous as the areas affected is much greater extending from Coffs Harbour to just shy of the Queensland border. Much of the Pacific Highway, the major arterial road on the east coast was cut for a significant length with some 200kms impassable with the only other route north to south being the New England Highway. In all there were about three evacuation centres opened along the coast with many towns completely flooded and hence cut off. In all there were many thousands of people affected.

The Red Cross Personal Support teams were put on standby quite early in the piece with the teams then being activated the next day. We were tasked with manning the Police Public Information and Inquiry Centre (PIIC), much the same role as during the last floods last April. Most of the calls were from people wanting information about road closures, the whereabouts of friends/relatives in the area and other general bibs and bobs.

I did the 1500-2300 hr shift with three other Red Cross volunteers. In addition there were about 20 other volunteers from the Coastal Patrol and SES, plus the ever friendly police supervisors as well. My role was as a team leader and to not only supervise the Red Cross volunteers but also field any Department of Community Services (DOCS) related calls taken by the other volunteers as well. These calls usually revolved around financial, housing and clothing assistance that was required.

The night went smoothly with a constant stream of calls but then dried up right when Friday night football started. How strange... ;-)

 

 

I have also been tasked with helping out with DOCS to assist disaster affected people with financial aid. It’s the next stage in the process of recovery for affected people from their inquiry to the PIIC.

 

For another look at what the Red Cross is doing during emergency check this out:

 

Red Cross Response

 

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