No-one wants to go through this again: how disaster-stricken residents in northern NSW are preparing for Cyclone Alfred

Memories of Lismore Floods

It’s been three years since floods pummelled the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. Now, Cyclone Alfred is heading for the region, threatening devastation once more.

On Thursday night and Friday morning, the NSW State Emergency Service asked residents in parts of the Northern Rivers to evacuate. Rain associated with Cyclone Alfred was expected to cause rapid river rises and extensive flooding.

Tough Times Ahead

As I write, the Northern Rivers is starting to lose power and internet access. Winds are wild and rain lashed the region all night.

As climate change worsens, all communities must consider how they will cope with more intense disasters. The model of community-led resilience in the Northern Rivers shows a way forward.

A Community’s Response

Many Northern Rivers residents are feeling very apprehensive right now. No one wants to go through this again.

I know of a woman who, just last week, had painters doing final repairs to her home after it flooded in 2022. Other people can’t afford to repair their homes at all.

Damage from the last floods extends beyond the material. Many people in the Northern Rivers are still dealing with mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD after the last disaster.

Lessons Learned

Still, people are preparing for Cyclone Alfred’s arrival – and drawing lessons from the 2022 floods in the hope of a better outcome this time.

My research group has fed advice up the chain to emergency services, such as the location of elderly and vulnerable people who may need help to evacuate.

Byron Shire Council has also loaned portable Starlink satellite dishes to some community-resilience groups. These devices provide essential communication if phone and internet services fail in a disaster.

Community resilience groups also seek to adopt a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to disasters – such as helping residents prepare for the next flood event.

Conclusion

As the Northern Rivers faces the threat of Cyclone Alfred, it is clear that the region is no stranger to disaster. Yet, through community-led resilience, the region has shown a way forward. By learning from past experiences and working together, the people of the Northern Rivers can weather the storm.

FAQs

Q: What is the current situation in the Northern Rivers?
A: The region is experiencing strong winds and heavy rain, with power and internet access being lost in some areas.

Q: What is the impact of the 2022 floods still being felt?
A: Many residents are still dealing with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD, and some are struggling to repair their homes.

Q: What is being done to prepare for Cyclone Alfred?
A: Community resilience groups are working together to support each other and prepare for the storm, and emergency services are providing guidance and support.

Q: How can communities prepare for future disasters?
A: By adopting a proactive, rather than reactive, approach and working together to support each other, communities can build resilience and reduce the impact of future disasters.