With the current focus on massive flooding throughout QLD, the recent Flash Floods in South Australia and Victoria, have come as a bit of a surprise. The nation has been gearing up to offer support to QLD Flood victims, and whilst the scale of SA and VIC Floods is nowhere near that in QLD (and we hope it stays that way), there are still plenty of people affected in the southern states.
In rain-lashed western Victoria hundreds of people are heading for higher ground with major flood warnings current for four rivers after a night of heavy rain. Flood warnings have been issued for the Avoca, Wimmera, Loddon and Campaspe Rivers after more than 100 millimetres of rain in some areas since yesterday. People have been evacuated from Halls Gap and Beaufort, and there are widespread power outages across the regions.
Regional areas of South Australia have also been warned to brace for serious storms, flash flooding and damaging winds. The State Emergency Service has issued the severe weather warning for people in the Flinders, Mid North, Riverland, Murraylands, Upper South East and Northeast Pastoral districts.
Floods in Tasmania are set to worsen today after record rain drenched north-east Tasmania yesterday.
How Can You Help?
Whilst Floods affect entire communities in many ways, the people who have their homes and business inundated by floodwaters or are directly affected can certainly do with the help and support of many members of the local community who are still able and very willing to help. It is often difficult to know the best way for people to help – here are some suggestions:
- If you live away from flood affected areas, the donation of goods or items may be of limited value, as the cost and effort associated with gathering/transporting/distributing these donations is very high. There may be local pickup points though in your area where donated items can be dropped off.
- If you live in or near to a flood affected area you can Create a Listing on HelpOut to let people know what you have to offer
