The flooded Bruxner Highway, between Alstonville and Ballina. March 3, 2022.
How do you describe the indescribable? There really are no words that can adequately paint a picture for you of the floods that have swallowed our beautiful Northern Rivers Region over the last few days.
I am one of the lucky ones- we are cut off, flooded in, but safe and dry. Yet 15-minute’s drive away, in Lismore, there is unimaginable destruction, devastation and loss. On our beach side, parts of both Ballina and Lennox Head are also going under and being evacuated.
So what do we do? What can we do, at this moment? We help each other. In any way possible.
We donate what’s needed at the evacuation centres to help, feed, clothe and comfort those who have lost everything but the clothes they are wearing. We volunteer, if we can, at the centres and then help, if we are able, when the call goes out to start the mammoth task of cleaning up. We cook and share food with neighbours, friends and strangers until the trucks can get through to us again with groceries and supplies.
And above all-and beyond everything- we wrap our arms around each other and offer whatever kindness and comfort we can.
Because all of us who live here- whatever our circumstances right now-know that there will be a mountain to climb over the days and months ahead when the waters subside and we see what is left behind.😔