Emergencies and disasters
Learn how Red Cross is responding to disasters and working with communities as they recover.
Don’t think it can’t happen to you. Emergencies can happen to anyone.
This EmergencyRedi Week we urge all Australians to take action and get prepared for extreme weather events and emergencies before it happens. Australian Red Cross National Resilience Director, Nichola Krey, shares her thoughts as we launch this year's EmergencyRedi Week.
Serving communities with care
Recovery after a disaster is about more than rebuilding – it involves restoring hope, stability, and emotional resilience.
Extreme Heat Awareness Day
We’re teaming up with Sweltering Cities, organisations, experts, and others across Australia to launch the first-ever Australian Extreme Heat Awareness Day on 5 February 2025.
Mental health support critical in disaster response
The impacts of disasters on individuals and communities can be long-term and complicated.
The road to recovery
Months on from the Queensland and New South Wales floods, communities are rebuilding and recovering with the support of Red Cross teams.
The value of preparing for a disaster or emergency
As Australians get prepared for another La Niña event, fresh evidence has emerged of the value of preparing for a disaster or emergency.
Queensland and New South Wales Floods Report
An update on our response to the Qld & NSW floods, from support in evacuation centres, to cash assistance, and long-term help on the recovery journey for tens of thousands.
From loss and grief to recovery
The Lismore floods hit hard, and ongoing support will be needed.
The support of volunteers in recovery
In the middle of one of the worst floods in Australia’s recorded history, the power of community and the miracle of life.
A slice of paradise
With support, Rese and her family are putting their haven back together after the floods.
A warm hug in hard times
As flood waters rose in Lismore, Polly found comfort at the evacuation centre.
When small actions make a big difference
After losing everything in the floods, Monica found relief in the generosity of Australians.
The value of a teddy in times of trauma
How a simple gesture of kindness goes a long way to comfort children in a disaster.
Putting pieces back together after the floods
Diane and Derek on recovery after the Hawkesbury rains.
After the pouring rain come tears and brave laughs
Our Red Cross media team, Susan and Carolyn, reflect on their deployments to flood-affected areas in Queensland and NSW.
When the floods hit, Red Cross teams were there
Photos from Red Cross volunteers as people were evacuated in eastern Australia.
Australian Bushfires
In summer 2019/20 Australia experienced the worst bushfires on record.
Jennet was there when no one else could be
A Red Cross volunteer for 28 years, Jennet was the sole emergency services volunteer on hand when bushfires swept through the Cann River region in Victoria last summer.
Mt Beauty’s journey of resilience
After 2020’s devastating bushfires, the community of Mt Beauty came together to recover – and prepare for the next disaster.
Australian Red Cross acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land, their ancestors and Elders, past and present.
Learn about our Reconciliation Action Plan and how we can all make reconciliation real.
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