Emergency response agencies are working around the clock to respond to the worst flooding event our State has seen.
There are people you can talk to right now for support:
DFES has started to inform residents about damage to their homes. As part of this notification process, DFES is working closely with the Department of Communities and Community Leaders.
Cleaning is underway where it is safe to do so.
It is important that residents do not return their homes until authorities advise residents directly that it is safe to do so.
HealthyWA has a guide on some things you can do once you’re back at home when cleaning up.
Wastewater is temporarily running into the Fitzroy River. The Water Corporation is working to stop this and repair the wastewater main.
It is important that that the community does not play or swim in flood waters as it can be dangerous.
Be alert for snakes, crocodiles, dangerous wildlife and biting insects, including mosquitoes.
You can ensure prevention of diseases and/or infection through use of personal mosquito repellent and wearing long pants and shirts. Also:
Doctor and nurse support is available at the Evacuation Centre or at the hospital, including mental health services.
If you’re not seriously unwell but need health advice call HealthDirect on 1800 552 002.
In the event of a life-threatening emergency call 000.
It is important that you throw out food or medicine that has come into contact with floodwaters.
Do not eat fish from floodwaters or flood-impacted rivers where there is potential contamination. Make sure fish caught outside of these affected areas are rinsed before scaling, and cooked thoroughly.
You should contact your doctor or local health centre immediately if you experience any serious illness.
In the event of a life-threatening emergency call 000.
You must stay away from power lines and power supplies.
All power supplies should be considered live, and extreme care should be taken by everyone, including those using boats in the area.
Horizon Power is working to complete any repairs needed to infrastructure as quickly as possible. There are no specific timeframes at this stage, however they are working to do this quickly and safely.
Horizon Power have also checked homes and left notices on the metrebox. Call an electrician to check your power before turning anything on.
To report a fault or issue call Horizon Power on 13 23 51.
The Water Corporation advises that residents and communities affected by floods (Fitzroy Crossing and other communities) should avoid contact with floodwaters and river water which may have been contaminated by wastewater due to heavy rainfall and infrastructure damage. Should contact occur, follow advice in the HEALTH section.
Information for Camballin
Residents are advised to use bottled water for drinking purposes until further notice. Bottled water will continue to be provided until water supply to customers can be restored.
Along with bottled drinking water, Water Corporation is providing non-drinking water for hygiene and sanitary purposes.
This is available for collection at the Kimberley Regional Service Providers (KRSP) Camballin Depot. Containers for collection is also provided.
Information for Fitzroy Crossing
The wastewater system in Fitzroy Crossing is currently impacted as a result of the recent flood situation. Water Corporation crews are continuing to deliver repairs to the network, however due to significant damage to the Fitzroy River bridge and a wastewater pipeline connected to the bridge, wastewater is temporarily being discharged into the Fitzroy River.
Water Corporation is working on interim measures to stop these flows, as well as a longer-term solution to repair the damaged wastewater main.
Residents are reminded not to enter floodwaters or the Fitzroy River which may contain harmful contaminants, including wastewater.
Residents should avoid access chambers (manholes) that appear to be discharging water as the covers may have dislodged due to water pressure.
Telstra has advised landline phones and mobile networks in the Kimberley region have been disrupted.
For mobile or landline assistance:
Check the Telstra outages website for outages in your area. If you are not a Telstra customer contact your service provider for help.
The Department of Communities is providing a range of support services to assist impacted residents such as food and accommodation.
For emergency relief and support call the Department of Communities’ Disaster Response Hotline on 1800 032 965 (9am – 4pm).
Services Australia has announced the availability of two payments for people affected by the floods. A one-off Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment is available to eligible residents in Derby/West-Kimberley who have been directly affected. $1,000 per adult and $400 per child will be available for eligible applicants.
A Disaster Recovery Allowance may also be available for employees or sole traders who have lost work due to the flooding. For instructions on how to apply for this financial assistance, visit Services Australia.
You can also call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66, between 8am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
Rapid Damage Assessment teams have completed their assessment of the damage – there has been a total of 417 assessments.
We are continuing to coordinate the return of displaced residents to their homes and communities where it is safe to do so.
DFES has started the notification process for impacted homes. As part of this notification process DFES will work closely with the Department of Communities and the relevant Community Leaders.
We understand residents want to get home as soon as possible but we need to know the extent of the damage and make sure that everything is safe first.
Once the full extent of damage is known to your home, you will be contacted directly on the next steps to take.
Large scale resupplies continue to take place daily across the Kimberley by air and road where possible.
Australian Defence Force Aircraft, DFES and local contractor aircraft are facilitating the movement of resupplies, response personnel and support agencies.
Community members are being transported back to communities when areas are deemed safe. It is a priority to return people to country as soon as it is safe to do so.
Multiple agencies are working together to support the flood operations.
A multi-agency clean-up crew, comprised of DFES staff and volunteers and Australian Defence Force personnel has mobilised to the region to start the recovery effort and make impacted areas safe.
DPIRD (Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development) are providing stock feed to affected areas and addressing animal welfare concerns.
You can donate to the Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund – Kimberley Floods Appeal. It is Western Australia’s official state emergency fund. All the money raised goes directly to those in need. Donations can be made online at Current Appeals – Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund (appealswa.org.au)
You can register your interest with Volunteering WA. Your details will then be passed to organisations who may offer you a volunteer opportunity when one arises.
Help such as delivering supplies, providing essential transport, social support and visits, household maintenance and welfare checks may be needed for this emergency.
Find out more and register your interest here: https://emergency.volunteer.org.au/volunteer-registration/7/kimberley-flooding#form
GIVIT is working with the Western Australia Government to manage donation offers during recovery from these floods. Donating through GIVIT means community members will receive exactly what they need. Head to GIVIT to see what items are in need of donation – or donate funds to go towards items needed.
If you are in the Kimberley, you can also help by keeping up to date with the alerts and warnings as there is still risk of increased rainfall and flooding over coming days. You need to stay vigilant and keep up to date via Emergency WA, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter, Facebook, listen to ABC Local Radio, 6PR, or news bulletins.