Vic floods: 245 residents evacuated
When the going gets tough, the tough get going: Victorian residents evacuate as floodwaters wreak havoc throughout the southern state.
By Yasmin Noone
Above: Floods affect the Goulburn Murray region
Around 245 aged care and retirement village residents have been forced to flee their homes, as the worst Victorian flood on record for 200 years continues to wreak havoc throughout the state.
Rising Victorian floodwaters have caused the evacuation of six aged care facilities and one retirement village in the areas of Charlton, Rochester, Donald, Pyramid Hill and Horsham.
The residents have been relocated to a range of other locations situated on higher ground, including other facilities, hospitals and the properties of families or friends.
On the list of evacuees, who are now in safer territory, are residents from Kara-Linga Nursing Home and Charlton Hostel (Charlton); Rochester Nursing Home Annexe; Rochester and District Hostel; Johnson Goodwin Memorial Homes (Donald); Pyramid Hill aged care facility; Kurrajong Lodge (Horsham) and Sunnyside Lutheran Retirement Village (Horsham).
CEO of Aged and Community Care Victoria (ACCV), Gerard Mansour, explained that that the support and relocation of older people living in their own homes has also been a “major focus” of both emergency services and providers.
“On behalf of our members across Victoria, our thoughts are with all those affected by the floods, whether in their homes or in aged care facilities,” said Mr Mansour.
“As is true in life generally, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. This disaster has again brought out the strength of resolve and commitment for aged care providers to care for older Victorians whether in their own homes or in aged care facilities.
“…The biggest challenges in dealing with the practicalities of the floods, include power outages, transporting staff and carers to support our older people at their relocated residences, as well as tackling the clean up where the floods have resided.
“We encourage all affected facilities to keep in contact with the Department of Health for weather information updates, as well as to inform the Department of your evacuation plans.”
Mr Mansour also announced that today, that ACCV has donated $2,500 to the Red Cross Victorian Floods Appeal on behalf of its members.
“There have been an outstanding number of offers of support in each community as people role up their sleeves and get on with the business of rebuilding the flood affected areas.
“The Victorian community is renowned for rallying together in times of need and I am sure, like our members are rallying to support each other, the Victorian community will continue to support each other through this difficult time.
“We encourage anyone who is able to support the Red Cross Victorian Floods Appeal, and volunteer their services to help rebuild the flood affected areas.”
Victoria’s State Emergency Services (SES) has issued evacuation warnings for Horsham, Pyramid Hill, Quambatook, Allansford, Wycheproof, Panmure and Culgoa.
Flood warnings have also been issued for most of the state’s regions, although Melbourne’s metropolitan area remains unaffected.
“There are now 1,700 properties in Victoria that have been affected by the floods,” an SES spokesperson said.
“More than 4,000 people have been affected in 48 towns. The SES has had calls for assistance from 5,800 people.
“This is the most significant flooding in Victoria since records began in the north and north-west. Communities will be isolated for some days. Power outages are likely to be extensive.
“Flooding in Horsham is of concern today. Evacuation warnings were issued at 3.30am south and 5am for north. At this stage the number of properties affected was 350 to 500 people are isolated. We know also know that that 10 properties have inundated [and evacuated].
“This, is a once in a 200 year flood event. The level of the river is peaking now at Horsham and is expected to peak throughout the day.”
For current emergency information, call the SES Flood Information Line on 1300 842 737 (1300 VIC SES). For flood or storm assistance, call 132 500. For life-threatening emergencies, call 000. To contact Lifeline, click here or call 13 11 14.
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