Getting Water To Flood Victims
Over the past two weeks, the Northern Rivers has experienced the most devastating floods. Towns have been wiped out and lives have been shattered. But what has become overwhelmingly apparent, is the love this community has for one another. People stopped everything to help complete strangers, to save lives, and to aid people in their darkest moments.
The Yaru HQ was completely blocked off as a result of local landslides and rising water in the immediate area. We were without power and phone lines for a week, which certainly made things challenging to say the least. However, we were the lucky ones. Whilst our business operations were impacted, we are still here. We still have a roof over our heads, and our business is able to get back to operating in a somewhat usual manner. This is not the case for so many families and businesses, and to witness this has been nothing short of heartbreaking.
As soon as we were able to establish communications, we worked alongside the Lismore Council and individuals throughout the region, to distribute water to those in need. Water was sent to evacuation centres and supply hubs that had been set up and run predominantly by civilians doing the most incredible job, day and night. We were blown away by the volunteers who took Yaru Water to some of the harder-to-reach and more remote areas. Water was taken to; individuals on islands, schoolchildren who had completely lost their school and who were being temporarily housed in community facilities, some of the smaller towns who were on the fringe of any major assistance, and people working tirelessly to assist with the cleanup.
Whilst it is a long road ahead, we are confident that our community will get through this. There is too much love for any other outcome. Help will be needed. Government resources will be essential. In the meantime, look out for your neighbours, even the ones you don’t know, and in particular, for those who are most vulnerable or even alone. Check they are ok. Do what you can when you can. Together, the Northern Rivers will rise again.
Please contact us if you are in any of the affected areas and require water supplies at any of the evacuation hubs or SES supply facilities.
