The Bundaberg River went through Shirley and Raymond's Queensland home at more than 70km/hr in January 2013. Raymond and Shirley had to evacuate and Red Cross volunteers were there to help.
Months after the emergency, people are still rebuilding their homes and trying to recover from the devastating floods in Queensland in January 2013.
Many Queensland residents are recovering from catastrophic flooding for the second time in two years. Impact from these floods comes as many people are still recovering and rebuilding their lives after the destructive Queensland floods in 2010/2011.
Ex tropical cyclone Oswald caused devastating destruction along the Queensland coast with damaging winds, heavy rain, flooding, tidal surges and tornados in January 2013.
The extent of the damage after the ex-tropical cyclone was massive, with thousands of homes, businesses, roads, bridges and services inundated. Six people died in the tragic flood crisis.
Bundaberg and the surrounding area was badly hit with flood levels rising devastatingly higher than in 2010/2011 floods. Authorities estimated more than 7500 people were affected and 3000 homes flooded.
Other regions that were affected by the floods include Rockhampton, Brisbane, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, North Burnett, Stanwell (Central Queensland), Scenic Rim, and Logan.
Red Cross is helping
Red Cross continues to work closely with local government, communities and partners in the affected areas to determine the support the communities need on their long-term journey to recovery.
Red Cross assisted more than 37, 900 people with recovery support in 19 recovery centres across Queensland since the floods began in January. The centres have since closed.
During the emergency, Red Cross worked with local councils to mobilise emergency response.
More than 620 Red Cross trained staff and volunteers provided a safe place to stay and personal support to more than 3,000 people in 22 evacuation centres along the Queensland coast, including at Bundaberg, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich, Darling Downs, Lockyer Valley. These centres have since closed.
During the flood crisis, Red Cross ran the National Registration and Inquiry System to assist more than 4,300 people affected by the disaster to reunite with their friends and family.
Red Cross in partnership with the Queensland government established the Queensland Floods Appeal 2013 to provide assistance to individuals, families and communities directly affected by the floods, tornados and storm damage.
More than 100 Red Cross trained staff and volunteers have provided a safe place to stay and personal support to thousands of people in 15 evacuation and recovery centres along the Queensland coast, including at Bundaberg, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich, Darling Downs, Lockyer Valley.
You can help
Red Cross in partnership with the Queensland Government established the Queensland Floods Appeal 2013 to provide assistance to individuals, families and communities directly affected by the floods, tornados and storm damage.
Every cent donated will go to help people and communities affected.
Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.
About the Appeal
The Australian public has generously donated to the Queensland Floods Appeal 2013 since late January. The Appeal will close 2 June 2013. New donations will be accepted until midnight on 2 June 2013.
Organisers of fundraising events, those who have collected donations but not banked and those who have pledged but not yet made donations have until 30 June 2013 to send collected money to Red Cross or inform Red Cross when the outstanding funds will be received.
Funds raised through the Queensland Floods Appeal 2013 will be used to assist individuals, families and communities directly affected by the Queensland floods in January 2013.
The Queensland Government appointed an independent Queensland Floods Appeal Distribution Committee, with representatives from government, local communities and Red Cross.
The independent committee's key responsibility is to oversee the distribution of public donations made to the Queensland Floods Appeal 2013.
Funds raised are being distributed through an independent Queensland Floods Appeal Distribution Committee.
Australian Red Cross will not deduct any funds from public donations for appeal or administration costs.
Every cent raised by the Queensland Floods Appeal 2013 will go to help individuals, families and communities affected.
Should the funds raised exceed the amount required, Australian Red Cross will use any excess funds to assist in future disasters in Australia. All interest earned on donations will be invested back into the Appeal.
The funds raised will be distributed through an independent committee which will involve community input.
Generally, Red Cross is not set up to take donations through our retail stores.
Australian Red Cross can only accept financial contributions as part of this Appeal. Red Cross is not in a position to accept donated goods or distribute them to affected people. More information about donating clothing and other goods.
I have been affected by the floods. Where can I receive help?
For more information about recovery support and resources, contact Department of Communities at 1800 173 349, and visit the Emergency Services information at redcross.org.au
The Queensland Government appointed an independent Queensland Floods Appeal Distribution Committee, with representatives from government, local communities and Red Cross.
The independent committee's key responsibility is to oversee the distribution of public donations made to the Queensland Floods Appeal 2013.
Funds raised are being distributed through an independent Queensland Floods Appeal Distribution Committee.
If you have any questions or require further assistance you can contact the dedicated hotline set up by the Distribution Committee on 1800 901 933.
Information about donating goods.
Photo: Jack Tran/Australian Red Cross.