The Australian Red Cross has launched a service offering psychological first aid and support to communities impacted by the floods,and a service to help family members reunite.
Australian Red Cross Victorian emergency services manager Fyowna Norton said being separated from family and friends is one of the most stressful things a person can experience during an emergency.
“Not knowing where your loved ones are,and not being able to contact them by phone or email adds to that anxiety. The register-find-reunite service helps find and reunite family,friends and loved ones during a disaster,” Norton said.
The service matches registrations from people affected by an emergency to inquiries made by their loved ones searching for news. Where a match is made,with consent,the person who made the inquiry will be notified.
If you are impacted by the flooding in Bendigo,Rochester and other communities,you can register through the website.
If internet access isn’t available,people can register in person at the Bendigo Showgrounds Emergency Relief Centre at 42-72 Holmes Road Bendigo,and the Echuca Relief Centre at the Echuca South Sports Pavilion on High Street.