In May 2025 three days of extreme rainfall prompted major flooding in the Hunter and Mid North Coast regions of NSW. When floodwaters surged through Debbie’s family home in Taree, what began as a anxious night, quickly escalated into a desperate situation.
“I went to bed at 10pm and there was no water,” Debbie shared. “By 2am, I was walking in it.”
As sewage-infested floodwater rose over than a metre past their raised floorboards, Debbie’s extended family of 14 became stranded. Left with no other options, they climbed onto their furniture with the hope to be rescued.
“We put our lounge up. My husband’s head was touching the chandelier in the lounge room. That’s how high we were. We sat there all day just waiting to be rescued”
The damage was heartbreaking. The receding water left behind inches of mud, priceless furniture was waterlogged, and years of memories destroyed. Without insurance and already under financial pressure, a path towards recovery seemed impossible.
Not long after being allowed back into their home—to Debbie’s surprise—Samaritan’s Purse arrived together with dedicated local church members and friends, equipped to begin the painstaking process to clearing and cleaning belongings to begin sanitising rooms one by one.
Debbie (right) talking with Australian Disaster Relief team members.“We’ve got a [Good Samaritan] army of our own, because we couldn’t wait,” Debbie said. “You’ve got to get the house dried out, or it’s going to be ruined.”
As volunteers began scrubbing walls and mopping mud-ridden floors, volunteers never left Debbie’s side, supporting her physically, but also emotionally as she processed what she and her family had just endured.
it’s means so much that you’re doing what you’re doing. It’s just been affecting all of us, from the top down. We really appreciate this.
After two days, Debbie’s home was now sanitised and drying out. With yet a long way towards recovery, her hope remains intact. Please continue to pray as our volunteer teams work in Taree and the surrounding areas, pray that homeowners will be comforted by God’s love in midst of tragedy.
