In the vast, sunburnt stretches of western Queensland, the recent historic floods have left behind heartbreak, uncertainty, and a long road to recovery for the families, farmers, and communities who call this region home.
Torrential rains swept across the region in late March and early April, submerging entire properties, isolating towns, and cutting off vital supply lines. Homes were inundated, livestock lost, and vital infrastructure destroyed. Many communities are still cutoff due to floodwaters.
In the town of Thargomindah, no building in town has been spared. Most of the town has been evacuated, and nearly every home and structure has been affected by flood waters.
For the farming families of western Queensland, the damage is especially devastating. Entire herds were swept away. Fences were flattened. Crops were damaged and destroyed.
As families are able to return, they will face the challenge of a massive cleanup. Also, the long-term recovery needs of mental health support, and financial assistance to repair or replace what was lost. These people need our prayers, and the assurance that they are not forgotten.
Samaritan’s Purse is working directly with churches and faith-based organisations familiar with the area to deliver relief and recovery support to affected families. Needs include immediate access to food and water, replacing damaged white goods, and providing support to farmers in ways of stock feed, equipment replacement, and fencing repair. The long-term needs of mental and spiritual support will continue long after the water has receded.
In 2018, Samaritan’s Purse assisted over 500 drought-affected farming families with essentials through Project Boost – a partnership of Vision Christian Radio, Samaritan’s Purse and rural churches. Over $100,000 worth of grocery cards were distributed as “seeds of kindness” to encourage drought-affected farmers and boost local business in these communities. Samaritan’s Purse partners with churches in impacted community to bring hope, relief, and joy by “Helping in Jesus Name.”